Learning flexibly on the go: There is no longer any way around mobile learning today – not even in corporate training. We present four current mobile learning trends and explain their benefits for your company.
In our digitized world, where mobile devices like smartphones or tablets accompany us every day, mobile learning is an absolute must. Studies like the mmb Trendmonitor also show that mobile learning is an absolute winner for companies now and in the coming years:
Alongside blended learning, videos, and micro-learning, mobile learning is among the TOP learning methods for companies in the coming years.
Tip: We have already reported in detail on our blog about the trends in blended learning, training videos, and micro-learning.
Strictly speaking, mobile learning is just an umbrella term for a growing collection of different methods. They have one thing in common: The learning content is available on mobile devices at any time, regardless of location and time.
Below, we show you four exemplary mobile learning trends that every learning & development professional should know in the future – and explain what advantages these trends offer your company.
1st Trend: Mobile-optimized learning systems
Many classic Learning Management Systems are too old and far too complex to ensure good usability on mobile devices. They are also often not very appealing visually, which does not get any better on a small display than on a large PC monitor – quite the opposite!
What helps: mobile-optimized learning systems specifically developed for use on smartphones, tablets, and the like. Particularly important here are:
simple, intuitive operation,
an appealing, simple design,
as well as a wide variety of media.
A mobile-optimized LMS should be intuitive, simple, and visually appealing. Example: blink.it
Mobile learning benefits for companies:
Almost every adult German owns a smartphone; 71% cannot even imagine life without a mobile device anymore, according to a survey. So why not use what is already there and used every day?
The company saves money (for suitable devices).
HR developers save time (for organizing learning material).
Participants are more motivated to learn.
Learning is easily and sustainably integrated into everyday life.
2nd Trend: Learning “on demand”
The biggest advantage of smartphones is that they allow access at any time and from any place to exactly the information we need at that very moment. Google, YouTube, and Wikipedia are just a few examples.
The same principle also works in vocational training: learning and information materials available on mobile devices are accessed by employees exactly when they are needed. Thus, the learning content is not just in a folder somewhere at the workplace or directly with the trainer or training manager, but available “on call” (on demand).
“On demand” learning content can be accessed on the device at any time directly when needed.
Mobile learning benefits for companies:
Employees can access the content “on the job.”
What has been learned is put into practice and practiced directly.
The learning content can be perfectly integrated into the daily routine.
Examples of practical mobile learning applications “on demand”:
A sales employee can go through the new sales guide again before a customer meeting.
A team leader can quickly access tips for employee appraisal interviews in an emergency.
A new employee can quickly read the instructions for an important process.
3rd 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 entertaining, and hold our attention far better than images or text.
Therefore, videos are also an ideal medium for further training in companies: you can create explanatory videos on a wide variety of topics in a very short time, perfectly tailored to the requirements of the planned training. You don’t even need expensive camera equipment for this – video creation with a smartphone is simple and cost-effective nowadays.
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 easily and memorably than other media.
Employees understand even complex issues and processes faster.
Every employee can watch the videos over and over again and learn at their own pace.
Particularly effective in combination with mobile-optimized LMS!
4th Trend: Mobile Micro Tests
The end of a training session is far from the end of the learning process – every experienced HR developer knows that. Without regular reminders and application, the new knowledge quickly disappears from employees' minds again. Short knowledge quizzes help to repeatedly recall what has been newly learned.
Micro tests are the best way to design such short quizzes. They differ very clearly from other test methods in two points:
Micro tests are not large questionnaires with different question types, but comprise one to a maximum of three short multiple-choice questions.
Micro tests are not only carried out once, but are completed repeatedly on the go (mobile) over a longer period after the end of the training.
Mobile micro tests regularly remind employees of what they have learned after the training. Example: blink.it
Mobile learning benefits for companies:
Employees repeat what they have learned regularly.
Through frequent short repetition, the new knowledge is consolidated in the long term.
Almost everyone has their mobile device at hand at the workplace – the micro tests can thus be completed easily at the workstation.
The micro tests are so short (one to two minutes at most) that they are not disruptive to daily work. Low effort, big impact!
Conclusion: The perfect mobile learning for companies
Mobile learning makes corporate learning flexible, needs-based, and available directly at the workplace.
The four example trends show that mobile learning in companies thrives above all 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 period until it is truly internalized.
The basis of any mobile learning is a perfectly coordinated learning system with which content is provided flexibly and easily.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What is mobile learning?
Mobile learning refers to forms of learning in which learning content is available via mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. This allows employees to access learning offers independently of location and time.
What advantages does mobile learning offer companies?
Mobile learning integrates further training flexibly into everyday work. Employees can use existing mobile devices, access learning content on demand, and apply knowledge directly to specific tasks.
What does learning “on demand” mean in mobile learning?
In learning “on demand”, employees access learning or information materials exactly when they need them. This can happen, for example, before a customer meeting, during a new process, or during a specific task.
How can micro tests be used in mobile learning?
Short micro tests can be regularly provided via mobile devices after a training session. Through recurring short knowledge tests, key contents are repeated and consolidated in the long term.
