5 Causes Why Cell Studying Is Right here To Keep
A trend that is going nowhere
Throw your memories back to around 10 years ago when mobile learning first appeared in the mainstream media. It seemed ridiculous that employers had tried banning cell phones from their workplaces for so long, and now they are encouraging them to meet their monthly training goals. Most employers poked fun at the idea, calling it a “fad” or “craziness,” and the few who introduced mobile learning in their workplace believed themselves to be the pioneering spirits of the future.
Fast forward to today and almost half of all companies (47%) use mobile devices in their training programs. While this is great because of the valuable impact mobile learning can have on a business, it also means that 53% of employers still shy away from mobile learning. Many still believe that it is a trend that, like all other employee training phenomena, will die a slow death, but mobile learning will remain, and here is why:
1. Mobile learning is stable and reliable regardless of external circumstances
If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything in the world of learning, then we need learning solutions that can easily adapt to external circumstances. We can no longer rely on our offices always being there or our team always in one place, because, as we have learned, events happen that can throw our everyday work into chaos.
Companies that relied on in-person training struggled the most during the lockdown. Their training stalled while those who adopted mobile and online learning got through the pandemic without affecting their training strategy.
The introduction of mobile learning means that even if your computers are down or your employees don’t have WiFi internet, they can still access the training they need, when they need it. It puts your learner in the driver’s seat and takes the uncertainty of external circumstances out of the equation.
2. Phones only get more advanced and can continue to provide enhanced learning experiences
Cell phones already offer an enhanced experience for learners because of their interactive nature. Employees can tap, swipe, tilt, shake, and feel vibrations in line with their actions. All of these features make for an all-encompassing experience and serve to encourage and motivate the learner to continue with their education.
If we look ahead, it’s safe to say that mobile features will only get more advanced. It has been predicted that smartphones will soon have some of these great features that will enhance the learning experience and give your employees even more incentive to use their phones:
- Headphone surround sound
Let your employees immerse themselves in their learning by creating an experience that feels real through the power of sound. - Virtual reality
Learning doesn’t have to be limited to reading, listening or watching, we can now experience the experience with the power of virtual reality. - Improved voice interaction
Before long, your reps will be able to seamlessly have a smart conversation on their phone, which means they can study and ask questions all day. - Holographic displays
We don’t even need to explain why this educational material feature would be incredible.
3. People lead busier lives
A study of 2,000 workers in the UK found that two-thirds of people experience a constant sense of anxiety caused by the stress of their daily lives. People’s lives are getting more hectic and their schedules are crammed with no room for downtime. When employees add long courses, the chances of completing them are near zero.
What is interesting is that even though we live busier lives, social media usage continues to increase, which means we can still find time to use our precious cell phones. In fact, the average daily use of social media is 2 hours and 25 minutes [1].
This proves that if you conduct your training on mobile devices, your employees are much more likely to find time to study, as their mobile device is a device they prioritize time for. Whether on the train, during your lunch break, on foot to work or in front of the television, your cell phone is always ready to hand.
4. Mobile learning saves money, which is vital for companies hard hit by the pandemic
Most companies have been hit hard by the global pandemic, which means things that are considered a luxury, like training, have had to take a back seat. In fact, the UK economy’s GDP fell by a whopping 19.8% in 2020, which is a catastrophic record. What some companies fail to realize, however, is that training must be a critical part of their recovery strategy to stay ahead of the curve.
Mobile learning is perfect for companies that want maximum results on a minimal budget because they are cheap to buy and run. Most mobile learning courses offer microlearning, and development costs are declining and estimated to be 50% cheaper to develop than longer eLearning courses! This is great news for employers looking to introduce mobile learning into their businesses.
5. Mobile learning fits the different learning styles and needs that have emerged as a result of the pandemic
Employee routines and daily practices have been turned upside down as a result of recent events around the world. This has caused learning styles to change, which means employers need to rethink how to take this into account.
Some people find it harder to concentrate while working from home, which means they prefer to watch videos or listen to podcasts while walking or moving around the house. Mobile learning enables employees to do this and makes it easy for them to leave their desks – even if they have learned to.
Others found it exceptionally difficult to stay motivated. Mobile learning allows you to send notifications, nudges and rewards to employees who ping directly on their phone to increase motivation and engagement. Best of all, since their phone is with them all day, you can rest assured that these alerts are working to encourage the desired behavior.
We are convinced that mobile learning will only become more effective. So, if you’re serious about training, it’s time to give up the desktop and introduce mobile learning into your business.
References:
[1] Summary of Global Social Media Research 2021
