Improving Employee Competence Through Mobile Learning
With self-paced training becoming increasingly prevalent, the use of personalized mobile devices is also growing as a platform for delivering and accessing learning. It enables just-in-time learning across diverse contexts with customized content. As a result, many enterprises have achieved increased adoption, greater productivity, more knowledge competency and better employee retention.
Mobile learning is a bigger deal than many organizations think, reflecting an incredible opportunity for employee training. The ubiquity of mobile technology allows collaboration anytime and anywhere. This explosion is reflected in the rising revenues for mobile learning which will more than double in approx. 66 countries by 2019. [Source: Ambient Insight Mobile Forecast 2014-2019].
The use of multiple mobile devices is rising exponentially as modern learners’ seamlessly switch between laptops, tablets and smartphones to manage their lives. Faster adoption of technology, improved infrastructure and dependency on real-time information are some of the forces driving this near-universal mobile device usage. There are also ample factors causing the shift towards mobile learning that continue to reshape the e-learning landscape:
- Global mobility on the rise
Today, industry leaders seek ways to leverage technologies and deliver effective learning experiences. To this end, mobility improves engagement and retention by providing an endless array of opportunities for employees to learn and grow their competencies. Employees who may not have enough time for training during business hours can learn on the go with personalized courses on their mobile devices.
- Training needs of millennials drive change
Undoubtedly, millennials are the driving force behind the growth of digital learning. Organizations will achieve nothing by clinging to traditional training methods with a generation whose attention span is reduced and diffused. From their first day at their job, Millennials seek learning experiences tailored to their personal needs. They also understand that as technology evolves, ongoing training is vital for personal achievement and organizational success. Anywhere-anytime learning is now the norm. For example, mobile learning is getting popular for sales employees.
- Remote work spreads
Today, many companies are rethinking their organizational structures based on the growth of the mobile workforce. Flex-time and remote work are inextricably connected to the rising demand for healthier work-life balance. But it’s not one-sided; business benefits, too. When employees cannot learn effectively, organizational growth is adversely impacted. Training that aligns with workers’ needs ensures optimum engagement, efficiency and growth for employees — and employers.
- Talent requirements continue to grow
In the current job market, there’s an increasing need for customized job roles and sundry skill sets. With rising competition and the rapid pace of technological advancements, the search for highly skilled professionals continues to widen. Through mobile learning, training can be efficiently distributed to diverse audiences to keep up with growing demands.
- Performance support on the rise
The learning needs of the current multi-tasking and diverse workforce cannot be fulfilled solely through traditional training. It is vital to connect learners with the right type of knowledge at the point of need. Humans tend to forget what they learn within a few days. To retain information and apply it, performance support is required. Different tools, including videos, provide personalized support through mobile learning, and can be accessed online and offline, when needed.
Today, organizations embrace new ways to optimize the employee experience and meet the needs of workers requiring more flexibility. Mobile learning is the perfect way to provide immediate information. Learners can simply reach into their pockets or purses and the desired material is at their fingertips. Classroom training may still be a part of the process but is no longer at its center.
Author: Anubha Goel, G-Cube
Anubha Goel is a content writer at G-Cube. She loves to write about new technologies in eLearning and exploring fresh ideas for new-age learners.
Suggested Further Reading: https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2016/04/13/five-trends-pointing-to-mobile-learning-as-the-future-of-corporate-education#668a3d47141c
