64% of students say the ability to access courses on their phones is a must. Therefore, implementing training programs on mobile devices is no longer an option, now it is a norm.
Therefore, one of the biggest challenges in 2021 is to improve the effectiveness of corporate learning programs, and for this, you must be where your students are. It's that simple!
Mobile device usage has expanded. But, in 2020, device usage increased significantly due to the coronavirus.
If you haven't taken your training programs mobile yet, we urge you to start considering it, as it brings benefits such as:
Before you start your journey in this world, it's important to know what the challenges come with mobile learning and, of course, how to deal with them. Read on and find out.
“Twenty-first century learning is not confined to a geographical location, or a particular space designated for learning purposes” Colley & Stead,
Giving mobile learning a try will help you connect more with modern employees and meet their training needs. Learn about the solutions to the top challenges you'll face when creating mLearning courses:
Also read: Understanding The Difference Between eLearning and mLearning
Creating a course intended to be taken on laptops and desktops is not the same as creating an experience that will be delivered on ANY mobile device. In the case of smartphones, for example, their size is much more limited than a computer. Although the screen size varies according to the model and type of mobile device, it is still smaller.
Solution:
Therefore, you should consider this space limitation and create learning experiences by thinking mobile-first. Read: Embracing a Mobile Mindset for Learning and Development
Also read:
5 Essential Mobile Learning Design Rules You Should Be Following
Top Mobile Learning Mistakes You Should Avoid
Your employees are used to doing multiple tasks at the same time. It's normal. Human attention span has declined due to so many distractions today. Like social media, online shopping, chats, etc.
Therefore, this is a major challenge to considering when designing your mobile learning programs today. This implies that your content not only needs to be great, but the experience and the design should be intuitive and attractive enough to grab the participant's attention from the beginning.
Otherwise, they will disconnect from the learning and start performing multiple other tasks.
Solution:
Read more: Start Thinking of Micro-Learning Moments Now
Also read: The Rapid Rise of Learning Pathways
Data is essential to design and continuously optimize training programs. For this, you must have the right tools to properly inform your decision-making process.
It is normal that if you are investing in mobile learning solutions you want to measure ROI. However, you should consider that mobile learning courses are not separate from the training and development ecosystem.
Therefore, measuring student performance may be complex if you don't have the right technology in place.
Solution:
With the help of xAPI and LRS technology, you will be able to track online and offline experiences, on any mobile device used by your students. This way you will be able to know when the user, for example, has switched from a mobile device to a desktop computer while taking the course.
A wide variety of experiences beyond the typical LMS tasks can also be tracked, including informal learning activities, interactions with mobile apps, and even activities related to job performance.
When a student participates in an activity, for example, pauses a training video, an activity flow statement is sent to the LRS stating "X paused the video." Therefore, each activity is tracked, recorded, and stored within an LRS.
As a result, by having all this information now available, you can optimize the way you create and deliver content, measure performance, and track interactions.
Please note that your LMS may offer integration with an LRS. The LRS is not a substitute for the LMS! Instead, pairing the LRS with the LMS will allow you to collect accurate data to enhance the learning experience.
Also read: 5 Reasons Why Your Company Needs a Learning Record Store (LRS)
Although mobile learning offers many benefits for companies and their employees, it also entails some challenges, which if not known and addressed, will make this strategy more difficult to succeed.
Have you faced some of these mobile learning challenges? Tell us in the comments!