Learn flexibly on the go: There’s no way around mobile learning today – not even in corporate training. We showcase four current mobile learning trends and explain their benefits for your company.
In our digitized world, where mobile devices like smartphones and tablets accompany us every day, mobile learning is an absolute must. Studies like the mmb Trendmonitor also show: Mobile Learning is a definite winner for companies now and in the coming years:
Alongside blended learning, videos, and micro learning, mobile learning stands among the TOP learning methods for companies in the next few years.
Tip: We have already reported in detail on the trends regarding blended learning, training videos, and micro learning.
To be precise, mobile learning is just an umbrella term for a growing collection of different methods. They all have one thing in common: The learning content is available on mobile devices anytime and anywhere.
In the following, we will show you four exemplary mobile learning trends that every learning & development professional should know in the future – and explain what benefits these trends offer your company.
1. Trend: Mobile-optimized Learning Systems
Many traditional Learning Management Systems are too old and far too complex to ensure good usability on mobile devices. Aesthetically, they are often not appealing, which doesn't improve on a small display compared to a large PC monitor – quite the opposite!
What helps: mobile-optimized learning systems specifically developed for use on smartphones, tablets, and the like. The key aspects here are:
an easy, intuitive operation,
an attractive, simple design,
as well as a wide variety of media.
A mobile-optimized LMS should be intuitive, straightforward, and visually appealing. Example: blink.it
Mobile Learning Benefits for Companies:
Nearly every adult German owns a smartphone; 71% cannot imagine living without a mobile device. So why not utilize what you already have and use every day?
The company saves money (on suitable devices).
Human resources developers save time (for organizing learning material).
Participants are more motivated to learn.
Learning is easily and sustainably integrated into daily life.
2. Trend: Learning “on demand”
The greatest advantage of smartphones is: They allow access to exactly the information we need at any time and from anywhere. Google, YouTube, and Wikipedia are just a few examples of this.
The same principle applies in professional training: Learning and informational materials available on mobile devices can be accessed by employees anytime exactly when needed. Thus, the learning content is not just in a folder somewhere at the workplace or directly with the trainer or training manager, but is available “on demand.”
Learning contents “on demand” can be called up directly on the device whenever needed.
Mobile Learning Benefits for Companies:
Employees can access the content “on the job.”
What has been learned can be directly applied and practiced.
The learning content fits perfectly into the daily routine.
Examples of Practical Mobile Learning Applications “on demand”:
A sales employee can review the new conversation guide before a client meeting.
A team leader can quickly access tips for employee meetings in emergencies.
A new employee can quickly read the instructions for an important process.
3. Trend: Video-based Learning
Videos are the most popular medium for information on the Internet! There are many reasons for this: Videos can convey content simply and memorably, are engaging, and hold our attention far better than images or text.
Therefore, videos are also an ideal medium for training in companies: You can create explanatory videos on various topics in a short time, perfectly tailored to the requirements of the planned training. Plus, there isn’t even a need for expensive camera equipment – video creation with a smartphone is easy and cost-effective these days.
Learning videos on mobile devices help convey training content quickly and easily. Example: blink.it
Mobile Learning Benefits for Companies:
Learning and explanatory videos convey knowledge more simply and memorably than other media.
Employees understand complex issues and processes faster.
Every employee can watch the videos repeatedly and learn at their own pace.
Especially effective in combination with mobile-optimized LMS!
4. Trend: Mobile Micro Tests
The end of a training is by no means the end of the learning process – every experienced HR developer knows this. Without regular reminders and applications, new knowledge quickly fades from employees’ minds. Short knowledge checks help recall the newly learned material repeatedly.
Micro tests are the best way to design such short checks. They differ in two significant ways from other testing methods:
Micro tests are not large questionnaires with various question forms, but consist of one to a maximum of three short multiple-choice questions.
Micro tests are not conducted just once but are repeated periodically over a longer period after the training ends (mobile).
Mobile micro tests regularly remind employees of what they learned after training. Example: blink.it
Mobile Learning Benefits for Companies:
Employees repeat what they have learned regularly.
Frequent short repetitions sustainably solidify the new knowledge.
The mobile device is readily available for almost everyone at the workplace – micro tests can thus be easily completed at the workplace.
The micro tests are so short (one to two minutes maximum) that they do not disrupt the workday. Little effort, big effect!
Conclusion: The Perfect Mobile Learning for Companies
The four example trends show: Mobile learning in companies thrives on flexibility and variety:
With mobile-optimized learning systems, you provide training content perfectly on mobile devices.
Through learning “on demand”, the content is available anytime and anywhere when employees need it.
Videos on mobile devices convey the content simply and practically.
Mobile micro-tests repeat what has been learned over a long time until it is truly internalized.
Is mobile learning already being implemented in your company? Then share your experiences with this trend-based learning approach in the comments!
The foundation of every mobile learning is a perfectly tailored learning system that makes content available flexibly and easily. All of this is offered by the blink.it learning platform, which you have already seen in the images above. Convince yourself with a free demo:
