In a modern world driven by app-based technologies and workplace applications, mobile is an essential device. A Deloitte report states that “consumers today check their smartphones with an almost round-the-clock regularity". Consider that more than one-third of consumers worldwide said they check their phone within five minutes of waking up in the morning.” With mobile becoming the device of choice for e-Commerce, entertainment, IoT, Virtual reality, and more, organizations are now opting for more flexible and accessible learning models supported by smart devices too.
Mobile Learning, as it is known has been gaining popularity. However, as with everything else, the everyday presence of a mobile device may not be enough to ensure that it passes along the essence of learning.
The Presence & Essence
The mobile device has essentially become a part of the day-to-day routine, so much that people cannot make do without it at times. With the widespread acceptance of BYOD, mobile devices also established a place in the workplace and hence the growing need for mobile-based learning or Mobile Learning. Mobile Learning facilitates anytime, anywhere learning, better outreach at a lower cost, provides high accessibility, improves social interaction by flexibly becoming a part of diverse learning environments and the ability to enable a personalized learning experience.
As a whole, the presence of mobile learning has been established with organizations opting for mobile compatible LMS or knowledge management systems, the increase in social media integration, and the growth of activities like file sharing- text, images, and videos included.
Herein lies the question, does all of that make effective Mobile Learning? Or does the strategy have to be more targeted, more specific and tailored to suit the capabilities of the device?
To answer this, let’s identify what we normally use as a mobile device from a learning perspective? Checking the emails, texting, Tweeting, and surfing through social media like Instagram, Facebook, etc. right? Short Tik-Tok and Facebook videos have been all the rage during the past year. Deriving from the routine activities it is evident that the interactions with social media applications often tend to be restricted to short bursts at a time.
For learners who are have been acclimatized to learn from instructors, textbooks, and undertake in-house on-the-job training, moving to Mobile learning is a gradual change. However, unlike eLearning converting the existing content to mobile compatible format isn’t the way out for mobile learning to be successful. Cramming everything to be accessed on the small screen can even kill the effectiveness of learning. Mobile learning is not just about the everyday presence of the device, but about how it is leveraged to bring in the essence of learning.
This is where MicroLearning comes in. The learning model breaks down information into small-bite-sized nuggets. Microlearning often uses multimedia elements to get simple concepts across and the ease of use and interactivity is the key to effectiveness in terms of learning.
To put it simply, Microlearning can act as the essence of Mobile Learning. So, why are Microlearning And Mobile Learning an Essential Combination in Today’s Age For L&D?
- Learning Flexibility & Time management
- Improved Learning Experience
- Good utilization of Gamification, Videos, and other Media elements
- Performance Support & performance improvement
- Better Completion rates
- Scope for Reinforced learning
- Learning implementation
Together MicroLearning and Mobile Learning allow learners to experience something personalized and to the point. While the learner can use the smartphone to access short courses or activities, they can also continue to perform their job functions without breaking off the flow. In addition, they can also look for essential information at the point of need and communicate with peers if they happen to need an extra push.
Well-designed microlearning module(s) for mobile learning can be highly effective, but that depends on the target audience too. So, from an L&D perspective always start by understanding what the learners need. And if you need assistance in doing so, just drop us a message at info@knowzies.com.