Posted by How to make learning seamless, integrated, and inclusive is a common challenge faced by organizations globally. But, who, among employees, would not take pride in getting the “more productive” tag at the workplace? That’s what the universally popular device – smartphone, is able to achieve! On average, 59% of workers in the US work 50 hours and more a week. Did you know that the workers rely on this smart gadget to boost productivity during their work week?
Interestingly, mobile digital media time in the US is now significantly higher at 51% compared to desktop (42%).Can it not become the ideal device to be harnessed in the context of learning? The power and influence of social media on an individual’s life to remain connected has added a layer to learning. And, it will not be wrong to say learning is permeable.To use mobile for learning is a trend that is casting a magic spell – for one has to wait to see the effect of the trick. So much so that in a report, smartphone devices are now perceived as valuable assets to improve and enhance work productivity!
This trend in learning is amplified by the fact that the number of smartphones are set to increase from 59.5% to 70.5%, according to IDC. Therefore, learning behavior finds direct co-relation to the medium of consuming information. In fact, 80% of Internet users own a smartphone! According to a Forrester forecast, 18% of tablet sales will come from business buyers rather than these devices being bought for personal use. That being so, good times are in store for those operating in the mobile learning domain or offering mobile learning solutions. This popular hand-held device has become so integral to existence that even HR policies are being tweaked to incorporate the ‘bring your own device’ (BYOD) policy at work.
Skill development, workforce retention, challenge of attrition and many other aspects of learning, training and growing is related to three things essentially – job performance, promotion and career advancement, and compensation (reward and recognition).
Mobile learning is a key component of an organization’s learning framework as it either facilitates or enables the following:
- Exponential Learning
- Just in time learning
- Situational and contextual learning
- Flexibility in learning
- Mobility in learning
- Anytime / anywhere learning (on the go/move)
- Interactive learning
- Learning by choice and not by force
- Personalized learning
- Informal learning
- Collaborative learning
- Social media learning
- Reinforce learning
- Device of choice
- Experiential learning (virtual reality, augmented reality, NFC capability of mobile devices)
- Element of humanization in learning
- Chunked or bite sized learning
- Affordable learning (with the declining prices of smartphones)
Having said that, mobile learning courses have to be structured and tailored to suit learners’ profiles and keep them engaged. Data reveals that vertical screen (29%) has been overshadowed by the desire or preference to see and consume content by horizontal view (71%). Embedding videos, using animated content and giving innovative flavor to mobile learning courses can only enhance the experience of learning.
Source:
E-Learning Market Trends & Forecast 2014 – 2016 Report
A report by Docebo | March 2014