Learn flexibly on the go: Mobile learning is an essential part of professional development today. We will show you four current mobile learning trends and explain their benefits for your company.
In our digitalized world, where mobile devices like smartphones or tablets accompany us daily, mobile learning is a must. Studies like the mmb Trend Monitor also show: Mobile learning is an absolute winner for companies now and in the coming years:
Alongside blended learning, videos, and micro learning, mobile learning ranks among the TOP learning methods for companies in the coming years.
Tip: We have already reported extensively on the trends of blended learning, training videos, and micro learning.
Strictly speaking, mobile learning is just an umbrella term for a growing collection of different methods. They all have one thing in common: Learning content is available anytime and anywhere on mobile devices.
Below, we will show you four exemplary mobile learning trends that every learning & development professional should be familiar with in the future – and explain what advantages these trends offer your company.
1. 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 often not visually 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 more. The following are especially important:
a simple, intuitive operation,
a visually appealing, clean 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:
Nearly every adult German owns a smartphone; 71% can imagine life without a mobile device. So why not use what is already available and in daily use?
The company saves money (for suitable devices).
HR developers save time (for organizing learning materials).
Participants are more motivated to learn.
Learning is easily and sustainably integrated into everyday life.
2. Trend: Learning “on demand”
The biggest advantage of smartphones is: They allow access to exactly the information we need anytime and from anywhere. Google, YouTube, and Wikipedia are just a few examples.
The same principle works in professional development: Learning and informational materials available on mobile devices are accessed by employees exactly when they are needed. Thus, learning content is not just in a folder somewhere at the workplace or directly with the trainer or instructor; it is available “on demand.”
Learning content “on demand” can be accessed directly on the device whenever needed.
Mobile learning benefits for companies:
Employees can access content “on the job.”
The learned material is applied and practiced immediately.
The learning content integrates perfectly into the daily routine.
Examples of practical mobile learning applications “on demand”:
A sales employee can quickly review the new conversation guide before a client meeting.
A team leader can quickly access tips for employee discussions in case of emergency.
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 capture our attention far better than images or texts.
Therefore, videos are also an ideal medium for training in companies: You can create explanatory videos on a variety of topics in a very short time, perfectly tailored to the requirements of the planned training. No expensive camera equipment is needed – creating videos with a smartphone is now easy and cost-effective.
Learning videos on mobile devices help to quickly and easily convey training content. 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.
Each 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 session is by no means the end of the learning process – every experienced HR developer knows that. Without regular reminders and application, the new knowledge quickly disappears from the employees' minds. Short knowledge checks help to frequently recall the newly learned material.
Micro tests are the best way to conduct such short checks. They differ from other testing methods in two key points:
Micro tests are not large questionnaires with different forms of questions, but consist of one to a maximum of three short multiple-choice questions.
Micro tests are not conducted just once, but are repeatedly performed over an extended period after the training ends (on mobile).
Mobile micro tests regularly remind employees of what they learned after training. Example: blink.it
Mobile learning benefits for companies:
Employees regularly repeat what they learned.
Frequent short repetition solidifies the new knowledge sustainably.
Nearly everyone has their mobile device readily available at the workplace – micro tests can be easily completed at work.
The micro tests are so short (one to two minutes maximum) that they are not disruptive in daily work. Little effort, great effect!
Conclusion: The perfect mobile learning for companies
The four example trends demonstrate: Mobile learning in companies thrives primarily on flexibility and variety:
With mobile-optimized learning systems, you provide training content perfectly on mobile devices.
By learning “on demand”, the content is always 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 used in your company? Then share your experiences with this trend learning form in the comments!
The basis of any mobile learning is a perfectly coordinated learning system that allows content to be provided flexibly and easily. All of that is offered by the blink.it learning platform, which you have already seen in the images above. See for yourself with a free demo:
