6 Mobile Learning Trends of 2017

Gone are the days when people accessed the Internet only through desktop and laptops. Today, a wide variety of tablets and smartphones are used to perform various activities online, and these include learning. Many organizations are adopting mobile learning (m-learning) methodologies to deliver knowledge and skills to their workforce. In this blog, we will look at 6 growing m-learning trends that are transforming the corporate training world.

1. Video-based Learning

Companies across the world are going for video-based learning resources in a big way, and the massive growth in the use of mobile devices is one of the major drivers of the “video rush”. Short learning videos spanning 3-7 minutes can be accessed very comfortably on all connected smartphones and tablets, thanks to technologies such as MP4. Video-based lessons are highly effective in striking an emotional chord with your employees and help them connect instantly with the learning content. They are easy and cost-effective to produce, and this makes them ideal tools to harness the full potential of the mobile device, without burning a hole in your pocket.

2. Game-based Learning

We live in the age of Candy Crush. Most Gen-Y employees (and even many older staff members) use their smartphones and tablets to play games, and the L&D community was quick to catch up with this trend. Several firms are already using game-based m-learning solutions and others are following suit. Game-based learning resources create a fun-filled learning environment, and this goes a long way in eliminating the stress associated with learning. They help your employees retain knowledge better and apply it effectively at the workplace. No wonder, it is fast emerging as one of the dominant m-learning trends.

3. Augmented Reality (AR)

Staying on with games, most of us are aware of the ripples created by Pokémon Go in the mobile world. AR, the technology used to “augment” a physical view of the world using computer-generated graphics and other sensory tools, is here to stay. Many companies are looking to unleash its power for training their workforce and providing performance support.

For instance, Bosch uses mobile applications based on AR technology to help its service technicians repair their products. Currently, AR is more expensive than other learning technologies. But, it is constantly evolving, and the costs of developing training solutions based on this technology are likely to reduce in the coming years.

4. xAPI

This latest learning technology standard is a groundbreaking development in the world of m-learning. For the first time, organizations can track the whole gamut of learning activities performed using smartphones and tablets, including game-based learning, collaborative learning, and offline learning. xAPI can be used to track learning activities even in conditions of intermittent Internet connectivity.

The most striking feature of this API is that it can track learning activities beyond the courses hosted on your Learning Management System (LMS). Many developers of rapid authoring tools such as Articulate, Adobe, Trivantis and so on have made their products capable of producing learning content that conforms to this standard.

5. Location-based Learning

All mobile devices have in-built Global Positioning System (GPS), and this enables location-based learning. M-learning delivers granular information to your workforce and you can further personalize it based on your employees’ location. The training content can be delivered based on the geographical location of the device.

For example, if your employee’s jobsite is in a mountainous region, he will receive safety precautions and personal protective equipment information specific to his location on his mobile. Similarly, if he is in a rainy region, he’ll receive information that suits his requirement. It’s an upcoming trend that seems to have potential in the mobile learning world.

6. HTML5

This is the latest paradigm in the world of web technology and has dramatically altered the online learning landscape. You can use HTML5 to develop web-based learning materials for all devices, including the latest smartphones and tablets. The technology can be used to develop m-learning apps that can be accessed on any mobile device, irrespective of the platform it runs on. HTML5 also facilitates access to learning content even in conditions of no Internet connectivity. Learners can download content when they are connected and access this content offline. This is very helpful for employees who need to access the content in remote areas.

We thus see that the six trends listed above are helping companies make the best use of the mobile device for training and delivering just-in-time (JIT) knowledge support. Would you like to expand this list? You’re most welcome.