mLearning (mobile learning) is learning that takes place via mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and wearable technology.
mLearning allows learning to take place anytime and anywhere. It provides new opportunities for personalized, engaging, and on-demand learning experiences.
Definitions
mLearning – Learning that takes place via mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and wearable technology.
mLearning essentials – The core elements and best practices for effective mobile learning. This includes understanding the key characteristics, benefits, and tips for implementing mLearning.
Background on mLearning Essentials
With the proliferation of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, mLearning has become an important part of the learning landscape. mLearning provides unique opportunities for learning that traditional eLearning cannot offer. Understanding the essential elements of effective mLearning is key for organizations looking to implement and get the most out of mobile learning.
The 5 Main Characteristics of mLearning
Portable – Learners can access learning materials anywhere via mobile devices. This enables just-in-time learning and productivity.
Personalized – Learners can customize their learning experience and content can be tailored to individual needs.
Bite-sized – Mobile learning content is typically designed to be consumed in short bursts, like 5-10 minutes. This suits the on-the-go needs of mobile users.
Interactive – Mobile learning utilizes engaging formats like video, games, quizzes, and simulations to actively involve learners.
Connected – Learners can easily connect and collaborate with peers and subject matter experts via mobile devices.
For example, a retail company could provide short video tutorials on new sales techniques that sales associates could access on tablets before meeting with customers.
mLearning Devices
The most common mLearning devices:
- Smartphones – Android, iOS. Allow access to learning apps and content on the go.
- Tablets – iPads, Kindle Fire, Microsoft Surface. Larger screen facilitates interactive courseware and content consumption.
- Wearables – Smartwatches, Google Glass. Enable short, context-aware learning interactions.
- Laptops – Chromebooks, MacBooks. Provide portability for longer learning interactions.
Types of mLearning
There are two main types of mLearning:
Informal mLearning – Unstructured learning like reading articles, watching videos, or listening to podcasts on a mobile device.
Formal mLearning – Structured learning like courses and assessments accessed via mobile devices. Often part of broader learning programs.
For example, an informal mLearning experience could be listening to a podcast on leadership on your commute to work. A formal mLearning example is completing a compliance training course on your tablet.
The Value of Understanding mLearning Essentials
There are several benefits to understanding mLearning essentials:
- Identify opportunities to implement mLearning to boost engagement and productivity.
- Design learning content and experiences optimized for mobile delivery.
- Ensure mLearning initiatives align to key mLearning criteria for success.
- Maximize the advantages of mLearning like personalization and interactivity.
- Avoid common pitfalls of poor mLearning design and implementation.
In summary, a solid grasp of mLearning essentials provides a strategic foundation for mobile learning success.
Features and Benefits of mLearning
Key Features:
- Accessible anytime, anywhere
- Personalized to individual needs
- Bite-sized learning formats
- Interactive and engaging content
- Connected to peers and experts
Major Benefits:
- Increased engagement – Interactive mLearning boosts learner engagement and knowledge retention.
- Just-in-time learning – mLearning enables learning at the exact moment of need to improve productivity.
- Reduced costs – mLearning eliminates the need for travel and other logistical costs.
- Flexibility – Learners can access mLearning at their convenience to fit busy schedules.
- Collaboration – Social mobile learning fosters collaboration and peer-to-peer learning.
5 Tips for Mastering mLearning Essentials
- Focus on microlearning content optimized for mobile.
- Make content interactive and gamified.
- Enable social collaboration capabilities.
- Provide support resources for learners.
- Continuously gather feedback from learners to improve.
For example, create 5-minute video tutorials instead of long e-courses. Include quizzes and rewards to engage learners.
How to Get Started with mLearning Essentials
Follow these key steps:
1. Assess organizational needs – Identify learning gaps and opportunities for mLearning. Consider informal vs. formal approaches.
2. Develop content strategy – Determine the right mix of microlearning formats like videos, podcasts, quizzes.
3. Select authoring tools – Choose tools to create and deliver mobile-friendly learning content.
4. Promote adoption – Encourage usage by demonstrating benefits and providing support.
5. Gather feedback and iterate – Get input from learners on improvements and enhance content.
Conclusion
mLearning provides exciting new opportunities for personalized, engaging learning experiences via mobile devices.
Understanding the core elements of mLearning, from key characteristics to implementation best practices, is essential for any successful mobile learning initiative.
With the right strategy and foundations, organizations can maximize the advantages of mLearning to develop their workforce anytime, anywhere.
