How to create effective mobile learning experiences: A guide for L&D professionals
Posted on the July 16th, 2024
Mobile learning has become a must-have tool for learning and development initiatives. Equipping workforces with the ability to access training and development materials anytime, anywhere via smartphones and tablets has resulted in increased availability and engagement for learners.
As the learning landscape evolves, L&D professionals must stay ahead by embracing innovative strategies for learning, maximising the use of mobile learning. In our latest blog, we'll look at how delivering effective mobile learning experiences can benefit both your employees and your organisation as a whole. We'll cover the advantages of mobile learning and share tips for creating engaging, mobile-friendly learning experiences that work.
What is mobile learning and mobile-first design?
Mobile learning
Mobile learning refers to education or training conducted via portable computing devices such as smartphones or tablets. This approach allows learners to access educational content anytime and anywhere, facilitating continuous learning beyond a traditional classroom setting. For example, a sales team having access to eLearning modules while travelling, ensuring they stay updated with the latest product information.
Mobile-first design
Mobile-first design involves designing for the smallest screens first and then scaling up. This methodology ensures that the core functionality of the learning product is optimised for mobile devices, providing a seamless user experience. Starting with a mobile-first approach ensures that content is concise, clear and focused on key learning outcomes. It also helps in creating a more streamlined and intuitive user interface, which can significantly enhance the learner's overall experience.
Benefits of mobile learning
Time efficiency
Mobile learning offers quicker and easier access to content, allowing learners to complete courses up to 45% faster than training completed on a desktop¹. This efficiency is particularly beneficial in a commercial setting, where available time is often limited. Employees can utilise downtime, such as during their commute or during waiting periods to engage in learning initiatives. This flexibility reduces the need for dedicated learning sessions, making training more adaptable to individual schedules.
Better knowledge retention
The use of video, gamification and smaller, bite-sized modules in mobile learning can improve retention rates by up to 60%². These engaging elements help reinforce learning and make it more memorable. Studies have shown that interactive and multimedia content can significantly enhance cognitive processing and retention. Gamification in particular adds a competitive element that motivates learners to achieve their learning goals.
Cost-effectiveness
Mobile learning reduces the technological burden on employers by learners having the ability to utilise their own, personal devices. Modern apps for rapid video production and other tools can also cut costs compared to traditional classroom settings. The investment in infrastructure and resources required for physical classrooms is minimised and travel expenses for training sessions are eliminated. Also, digital content can be easily updated and redistributed, ensuring that learners always have access to the most up-to-date information.
Enhanced engagement
Leveraging social media, YouTube tutorials and third-party training sites, mobile learning aligns with what employees are already consuming, making the learning experience more engaging. Interactive elements like quizzes, polls and discussion forums foster active participation and collaboration among learners. The familiarity of using personal devices for learning also reduces the learning curve and increases comfort levels with the learning content.
Access and communication
With mobile learning, education is no longer confined to the 9-to-5 workday. Learners can access content and communicate with trainers anytime, anywhere, fostering ongoing support and engagement. This increased availability supports diverse learning environments and accommodates varying schedules, making it easier for employees in different time zones or with non-traditional work hours to participate in training programmes.
Continuous learning
By reducing technological barriers and providing easy access, mobile learning promotes a culture of continuous learning, essential for the personal and professional growth of modern workforces. Continuous access to learning materials encourages lifelong learning habits and supports professional development. This approach helps in building a knowledgeable and skilled workforce that can adapt to changing industry demands and technological advancements.
Creating effective mobile learning experiences
Before designing any learning content, it's crucial to understand the needs and preferences of your target audience.
Consider factors such as their technological proficiency, learning styles and the contexts in which they will be accessing the content. Conduct surveys, focus groups and interviews to gather insights before starting. Understanding the challenges and expectations of your learners will help in creating content that is relevant and effective.
Utilise a mobile-first approach
Start by designing for mobile devices. Ensure that the content is responsive and functions well on smaller screens. This approach will help you focus on the core functionalities and user experience. Use touch-friendly navigation, clear and concise text and visual aids to enhance readability and engagement. Testing the content on various devices and screen sizes is essential to ensure a consistent and high-quality user experience.
Create engaging content
Incorporate videos, interactive elements and gamification to make learning more engaging. Bite-sized modules and microlearning can help learners absorb information more effectively and retain it for longer. Interactive scenarios, simulations and real-life case studies can also make the learning experience more immersive and practical. Use storytelling techniques to connect with learners emotionally and enhance the relatability of the content.
Ensure accessibility
Design content that is accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities. Adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 accessibility standards ensures that everyone can engage with the learning material. Provide alternative text for images, captions for videos and ensure that the content is navigable using assistive technologies. Inclusive design practices not only comply with legal requirements but also enhance the learning experience for all users.
Leverage mobile learning management systems (LMS)
Utilise a robust mobile LMS to manage and deliver your content. A good LMS should offer features like offline access, push notifications and analytics to track learner progress and engagement. Look for LMS platforms that support seamless integration with other tools and systems used within your organisation. Customisable dashboards, reporting features and user-friendly interfaces are key factors to consider when selecting an LMS.
Incorporate social learning
Encourage collaboration and interaction among learners through social features. Discussion forums, social media integration and peer feedback can enhance the learning experience. Social learning platforms enable learners to share knowledge, discuss ideas and provide support to each other. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of community and helps in building a supportive learning culture.
Evaluate and iterate
Regularly assess the effectiveness of your mobile learning content through feedback and analytics. Use this data to make continuous improvements, ensuring that the learning experience remains relevant and effective. Conduct usability tests, gather learner feedback, and analyse usage patterns to identify areas for enhancement. Iterative design processes help in refining the content and keeping it aligned with evolving learner needs and organisational goals.
Aurion High5
At Aurion Learning, our custom eLearning design framework, Aurion High5, is designed to elevate mobile learning experiences, helping to provide a seamless learning experience across all devices. The Aurion High5 approach focuses on five key pillars:
Accessibility
Ensuring all learners can access and engage with content effortlessly.
Aurion High5 ensures that content is compatible with various devices and accessible to users of any ability, achieving Level AA accessibility against WCAG 2.1 and Section 508 compliance. This inclusivity is fundamental to providing a comprehensive learning experience.
Mobile experience
Providing a seamless learning experience across all devices.
Aurion High5 ensures that content is optimised for mobile devices, offering high-quality, responsive and intuitive ‘mobile-first’ custom eLearning content. This optimisation enhances learner engagement and overall satisfaction.
Control
Customisable learning design to reflect your vision and brand.
Aurion High5 offers flexibility in design and functionality, allowing organisations to tailor learning experience to their specific needs and preferences. This customisation ensures that your eLearning content aligns with your specific organisational goals.
Flexibility
Seamless delivery of eLearning content via the web or any LMS.
Aurion High5 enables the seamless integration of learning content via the web or any learning management system (LMS), providing a cohesive and efficient learning environment. This flexibility ensures that the learning content can be accessed easily and conveniently, regardless of the platform.
Future-readiness
Leveraging modern web technologies to futureproof your content.
Aurion High5 incorporates the latest web technologies to ensure that learning content remains relevant and effective in the face of evolving industry trends and learner expectations. This robust approach helps organisations stay ahead in their respective fields, enhancing their workforce’s skills efficiently and effectively.
Aurion High5 ensures that learning content provides a high-quality, responsive, and intuitive user experience. By integrating accessibility and flexibility into Aurion High5, we help organisations deliver impactful courses that foster continuous growth and innovation, meeting the diverse needs of learners and ensuring a robust and effective learning experience for all.
Uncover the potential of Aurion High5 today. Join industry-leading public and private sector organisations who have trusted Aurion High5 to elevate their learning offering.
Let’s start a conversation by requesting a demo, and see how it can transform your training initiatives and support your organisational goals.
References:
- https://www.edume.com/blog/mobile-learning-statistics#:~:text=Mobile%20learning%20improves%20productivity%20by%2043%25&text=As%20a%20result%2C%20mobile%20learners,where%20little%20knowledge%20is%20retained.
- https://www.oxfordcollege.ac/news/online-education-statistics/#:~:text=Learning%20Statistics%20UK-,Online%20Education%20%26%20E%2DLearning%20Statistics%20UK,online%20learning%20of%20some%20kind.
