Boost Employee Performance with Mobile Learning
Technology has revolutionized a lot of the ways we do things, and that includes the way our workforces operate. While eLearning has been around for quite a while, the massive switch to predominantly mobile learning for employees is a more recent occurrence. In the past, eLearning was only available on computers, which often meant that learners were limited in how and when they accessed learning materials. Now, that’s no longer the case. In fact, the majority of learners prefer being able to access resources and training via their mobile devices.
Of course, mobile learning is, well… mobile. Just as the name suggests, it’s a form of learning delivered to mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets. There is no doubt that mobile learning makes accessing training and resources much easier for learners. With mobile learning, employees aren’t restricted in where or when they access learning materials. In a world where we all multi-task and seem busier than ever, this is a hugely beneficial feature. What’s more, your employees can use their mobile devices to download eLearning content, so internet access isn’t always required. Consider how much of a plus this is for those who, for example, enjoy accessing training materials during their commute to or from work.
Yes, it’s true. The future of learning is mobile. It’s important to consider that mobile learning usually involves numerous delivery methods and content formats, enabling employees to learn at their own pace and on any device. Several benefits come from learning while on the go. Learning can be integrated into employees’ daily lives without causing much hassle. However, as with anything, there is a downside to mobile learning; it’s easy to get distracted. How do you compensate for distraction? Well, first of all, it’s critical that mobile learning is delivered in an engaging manner in order for employees to pay attention regardless of their location. Microlearning can also be very helpful in mitigating distraction and thus is often used to implement mobile learning. By providing bite-sized learning content, employees are able to absorb information quickly and easily. Similarly, gamification is often regarded as the best and most engaging form of mobile learning.
All in all, mobile learning can benefit everyone, particularly those who work on the go or don’t sit at a desk. For this reason, mobile learning content is of great benefit to employees such as nurses, sales assistants, and teachers. So, mobile learning is almost ubiquitous in the workplace today, and we know it’s useful, but on top of that, it can also work wonders in enhancing overall employee performance. Here’s how:
On The Job Learning
Doing a skill is the best way to master it. And that’s an important consideration when it comes to employee training. Mobile learning allows your employees to actually practice skills so that they know how to use them in the real world. Besides being a great way for employees to learn, mobile learning improves retention rates as well. Like on-the-job training, mobile learning allows employees to learn in real time while they’re actually on the job. Employees who can access learning anytime, anywhere, from their mobile devices will more likely be engaged.
Seamless and Straightforward Collaboration
The use of mobile learning can make it possible for employees to both work and train together. Through the mobile learning platform, employees can speak and collaborate with one another directly. Discussion forums, for instance, allow employees to help one another with training. And, critically, for distributed teams or those who work remotely, mobile learning can provide an ideal environment for group discussions or social learning techniques. Employees can gain greater knowledge and wisdom from one another via mobile communication, which is fast and convenient.
Equal Training Access for Everyone (Even Remote Workers)
Mobile learning has many benefits, including, of course, being mobile. Training materials and resources can be accessed online by anyone, even distributed teams. No matter where an employee is located, mobile learning gives them access to training and development tools that are important to their learning. The lack of opportunities for learning and development for remote or distributed workers in a traditional training environment is a serious concern. This is particularly true now, with so many workers transitioning to remote positions on a more full-time basis.
A mobile learning program, however, provides equal opportunities to all employees in an organization. Everyone has the chance to learn something new, upskill, or reskill, as they would in a conventional setting. The importance of training is undeniable, and it also contributes greatly to employee engagement, productivity, and knowledge. Therefore, you should ensure that all of your employees have access to the same training.
Assistance At The Point of Need
If there’s one thing you might have learned through implementing training, it’s that the performance of employees is not always consistent. In fact, it varies considerably depending on a variety of different factors. Of course, ups and downs are inevitable, and sometimes unforeseen circumstances might hinder an employee’s ability to learn. When an employee is sick, for instance, mobile learning can better assist other employees by teaching them or reminding them of what they need to know.
It Can Be Engaging, Very Engaging
Mobile learning is specifically designed to be highly engaging, easily absorbed, and retainable.
Why? Because the challenge of consuming information on the go is one of the biggest hurdles for mobile learners. Despite potential distractions, employees should still be able to learn.
In a crowded and distracting environment, learners must be able to understand the content presented to them. The goal of mobile learning is to keep learners focused and on task, and often involves microlearning in order to give them the ability to consume information easily in short bursts.
One thing is for certain, mobile learning is the future. In order for employees to become more productive, they need to be trained, engaged, and improve their skills. Developing and integrating mobile learning into your organization’s eLearning program is essential for success in our contemporary world.