learnability matters

Mobile is a small device with multiple uses such as making calls, messaging, playing games, listening to music, taking photos, and so on. And the latest additions to this list are mobile banking, mobile shopping, and mobile healthcare.

Reflect on these questions:

• Do you know anybody in your team who does not have a mobile phone?
• Do you send regular updates to your team using your mobile phone?
• Do you communicate with your team by calling them on their cell?
• Do you find it easier to reach your team member using the phone or through email?
• Can you check your emails on your phone?
• Can you read news, blogs, or surf the Internet on your phone?

The above points provide a glimpse of how easy it is to reach your employees and train them using mobile learning. Some of the key reasons why mobile learning works best are:

1. More pervasive than Internet (50% higher penetration)
2. Easy adoption, immediate impact, more effective
3. Huge potential in developing economies
4. Low investment, high returns
5. Individual/collaborative learning experience
6. Enhancing two-way interaction

How can a mobile device be used for learning and development?

• Knowledge Checks – It can be used as a quiz after the training has been delivered. We can also use it for intermittent knowledge checks and to analyze learner needs.
• Reinforce Learning - 87% of learning is lost within 30 days of training if not followed up by a refresher. Therefore, we can use mobile learning as a refresher, share learning nuggets, and send information updates and links.
• Receive Feedback – We can receive feedback from participants about training and trainers. They can also request for other courses.
• Manage Training - We can send training updates, request for nominations, conduct polls and surveys, and track and analyze participants.

Mobile learning is a great tool for reinforcement and recap of learning. Some types of mobile learning are:

1. App-based: Created in Flash, Java Script/J2ME – You can create interactive, engaging, high learning, value content. This can be supplemented with audio and music and tracked on a Learning Management System (LMS). The disadvantage is that these solutions are handset dependent.
2. Audio/video-based: Learning is through pod casts and videos that run on mobile phones. This solution is independent of the handset, hence it’s a popular solution.
3. Web-based: You can use web apps or provide content that can be downloaded using the phone’s web browser. This is like web-based eLearning. The learners can view the courses by running it off the phone’ web browser or download it and view it on the phone.
4. Text-based: These use SMS-based apps created using text messaging service. This solution works across all handsets and is a cost-effective solution. You can use SMS-based learning content for recall, refresher, and reinforcement of learning, especially for sales workforce.

Mobile learning has multiple possibilities and can be a great tool for learning and development.

About us:

Kern Learning Solutions is an innovation-led learning solutions company. We have done extensive work in eLearning, mobile learning, and learning management system. If you wish to explore the use of technology for learning and development, write to us at neha@kern-comm.com or call us +91-22-25779639.