Reasons You Should Adopt The Combination Of Microlearning And Mobile Learning Now
At EI Design, we have been offering learning and performance support solutions for over 16 years now. During these years, we have seen the evolution of formal training from predominantly Instructor Led Training (ILT) to online training or eLearning.
Specifically,
Over the last 5 years, we have seen a steady increase in the integration of mobile learning as an integral part of most organizations’ training deliveries.
- Usage of learners’ smartphones and tablets under Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy has helped mobile learning gain further momentum.
- Increase in the millennial workforce too has contributed to its wider usage.
Alongside, we saw the introduction of microlearning.
- Initially, it was used to offer Performance Support intervention and support to formal training.
- Over the last 2 years, we have seen it mature to become a mainstream offering that can be used for both formal and informal training.
It is interesting to note that while the demand for short, focused training has always been there for learners, the increased mobile learning adoption has facilitated the usage of microlearning as a mainstream training strategy.
In this article, I outline why you should adopt the combination of microlearning and mobile learning/mLearning in 2018.
Before I outline how you can leverage on the combination of microlearning and mobile learning/mLearning in 2018, let me recap a few highlights and benefits of both.
What Is Mobile Learning And What Are Its Key Highlights?
Mobile learning is learning "on the go". It is a learner-centric approach, and its significant highlights are as follows:
- It offers access to learning assets anytime and anywhere.
- It is designed to empower learners. They can choose the pace at which they want to consume the content, and when they want to.
- Mobile learning features a multi-device support, so the same course is available to the learners across devices (from desktops/laptops to tablets/smartphones). Thereby, it offers learners the flexibility to learn on the device of their choice.
- While we may be connected to the internet most of the time, we sometimes need the flexibility to learn even when we are offline. Mobile learning solutions also address this need.
- Mobile learning techniques can be applied to most of the corporate training needs. These include diverse training needs like induction and onboarding, soft skills, professional skills, compliance and so on.
- Furthermore, mobile learning is a great fit to offer Performance Support Tools that bring in specific learning aids to learners at the moment of their need.
What Is Microlearning, And What Are Its Key Highlights?
Microlearning, as the name suggests, is a series of short, bite-sized learning nuggets. However, they are not just shortened versions of the traditional eLearning topics (that is, not eLearning lite).
- They are designed to meet a specific learning outcome.
- They normally have a short run length (between 2–5 mins and not exceeding 7 mins).
The demand for microlearning-based training has always been there. Although it is in the last few years, L&D teams have seen its value, particularly in:
- Offsetting the challenges of short attention spans.
- Fit in training on the job.
- Higher completion rates.
In the first avatar, microlearning was designed to support formal training, but with the wider adoption of mobile learning, it is now being used for:
- Formal training
Through a learning path that strings multiple microlearning nuggets. You can use microlearning-based techniques to address most of your corporate training needs.
- Performance Support intervention (Through Performance Support Tools or PSTs/learning aids)
To reinforce formal training, as a just-in-time aid to facilitate the application of acquired knowledge or to meet a specific challenge. The usage of microlearning-based techniques as PSTs help organizations meet the tougher mandate of performance gain and demonstrate its desired impact on the business.
- Supporting ILT training/offer blended training
Through a series of nuggets that can support pre-workshop preparation or sustain learning as a continuum once the facilitated session is over.
Why Should You Adopt The Combination Of Microlearning And Mobile Learning/mLearning In 2018?
Microlearning and mobile learning/mLearning make great companions, and you can use them to multiply the impact of your training delivery.
- Short nuggets (microlearning) can be taken on the go (on smartphones or tablets that are an integral part of mobile learning).
- This is not all; there are additional gains that you will see when you use the combination of microlearning and mobile learning/mLearning. You will be able to:
- Offer a better learning experience.
- Provide learning as a continuum (in contrast to discrete, traditional eLearning).
- Offer personalized learning.
- Leverage on trending approaches like gamification, videos, interactive videos, and so on.
- See a significant impact on the mandate of performance gain.
- Obtain higher completion rates.
- See a higher probability of users revisiting and reviewing collateral when they have the need.
- Achieve an increase in the application of acquired knowledge.
I hope this article gives you the required insights on why you should adopt the combination of microlearning and mobile learning/mLearning in 2018. With this combination, you will be able to see more engaged learners and higher impact training. If you have any queries, click on my name above to contact me or leave a comment below.
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