How To Eliminate eLearning Friction With Mobile Learning And Microlearning
As the eLearning community has grown to embrace mobile technology and learning-on-the-go, the terms “mobile learning” and “microlearning” have quickly transcended buzzword status and are becoming essential elements of effective eLearning strategies.
Mobile learning (i.e., incorporating mobile devices in the learning process) has been on the rise alongside consumer mobile adoption and shows no signs of slowing down. KPCB recently reported that 87% of young adults say their smartphone never leaves their side. Embracing the use of mobile devices in learning has a number of benefits, such as enabling learning at the point-of-need and social learning. As Millennials enter the workforce, mobile will continue to be an important element of eLearning best practices.
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to discuss mobile learning without discussing its cousin, microlearning. Microlearning refers to concise learning content that allows learners to digest information in simple, bite-sized nuggets. Microlearning often leverages multimedia elements to convey simple concepts – for example, a 60-second instructional video showing you how to prepare a recipe (e.g., from Goodful), a checklist, or a short infographic that breaks down a complex concept using clear visuals.
When combined, the synergy between mobile learning and microlearning can help eliminate eLearning friction of your training programs. Read on for a few examples.
1. Increase Learner Engagement
When it comes to capturing a learner’s attention, Learning and Development professionals have their work cut out for them. It’s estimated that employees check their email an average of 36 times per hour. Similarly, workers are reportedly interrupted an average of 56 times per day.
The workplace is full of distractions, and eLearning content must be able to capture and hold a learner’s attention in order to be effective.
Enter microlearning. Bite-sized content is designed for easy and simple information digestion, and when paired with mobile, the potential explodes. As an example, imagine an in-training safety specialist executing their first site safety inspection. They’ll be able to recall elements that they learned in classroom training, but their knowledge retention is far from perfect. Using their mobile phone, they can access their Learning Management System and instantly find relevant checklists and short videos that will refresh their memory a lot more efficiently than articles, PowerPoint presentations, or full-sized guides.
2. Provide A Better Learner Experience
Considering the learner experience means looking beyond learning content and focusing on the method of delivery of that content. The learner experience is is just as important as the learning content, which is why mobile learning and microlearning are so critical to effective learning.
Learners used to learn with instructors, textbooks, and on-the-job training. Of course, these methods will always have their place, but in an era where a learner can glance down at his or her smartphone and execute course activities at the point of need, why would we turn to textbooks at all?
The 2016 Ericsson Mobility Report forecasted that there would be 28 billion connected devices by the year 2021. As long as learners continue to rely on mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, and even other devices like smartwatches), they will play an increasingly relevant role in eLearning. As a result, it is critical for Learning and Development professionals to develop learning strategies that take mobile elements into account.
3. Leverage Connectivity
This might seem obvious – after all, connectivity is the primary purpose of a mobile device. However, the importance of connectivity in eLearning cannot be overstated.
If you’re familiar with the 70:20:10 method, you understand that informal and experiential learning are essential to how employees actually learn. Mobile devices facilitate informal learning because they eliminate communication barriers. For instance, a learner can reach out to subject matter experts and peers to ask questions on-the-job, as well as receive feedback in real-time.
In a world that grows increasingly more mobile, it’s important to embrace mobile technology and microlearning to eliminate eLearning friction caused by distracted learners, a poor learning experience, and not taking advantage of connectivity in the learning process.
Mobility and microlearning are like wine and cheese – better together. Read our free whitepaper Leveraging the Natural Synergy of Mobility and Microlearning in eLearning to learn more.
