Not too ago, remote work was a concept popular only amongst freelancers and outsourcing companies. However, the last four years have forced companies to reevaluate their work structures and practices. This accelerated the trend of remote work, reshaping traditional workplaces all around the world. As companies swiftly adapted to remote working models of business, employees experienced the benefits of flexibility and a better work -life balance.
It’s essential for companies to acknowledge this transformation and actively keep up with the demand for this dominant trend. Training employees from varying locations becomes pivotal in adapting to this evolving landscape. Mobile learning solution is an important medium that companies can use to provide employees with seamless access to learning resources from any location.
This blog offers insights into the benefits of mobile learning for companies with remote working employees by enabling swift and rapid learning anytime, anywhere.
The Evolving Landscape of Remote Work
In the post-pandemic world, remote work is witnessing a surge, with 12.7% of full-time employees in the USA working from home and 28.2% embracing a hybrid model, as reported by Forbes. This trend is not exclusive to the U.S., insights from workplace statistics in India reveal that over 80% of employees in the country are content with the hybrid/remote work model in 2023. And 52% express a desire for its continuation in 2024, indicating a significant shift in work culture preferences.
Reportedly, 16% of U.S. companies already operate fully remotely. Notably, industries like Computer and IT, Marketing, and Medical and Health lead in remote work adoption, with Accounting and Finance swiftly catching up. The takeaway is clear: remote work is solidifying as a permanent feature, adopted by diverse fields.
This shift is further accentuated by the growing influence of Gen Z workers, the future workforce, who overwhelmingly prefer the flexibility of remote settings over traditional workplaces.
The Need for Flexible and Accessible Learning Solutions
Transitioning from traditional workplaces to remote compels us to forgo the classical approach of employee training and push us to innovate and reimagine new methods where learning would be more accessible and adaptable. E-learning and virtual classrooms have made it possible for learners to engage with educational content on their terms. In a company with diverse workers in different locations and varied schedules, e-learning stands out as the ideal choice, perfectly aligning with the evolving nature of work.
The Role of Mobile Learning
According to Harvard anthropologist Amber Case, our smartphones are like a “second brain” – a handy tool for storing, learning, and analyzing information. They remind us to drink water, track calories, and manage schedules. It's crucial to tap into this wealth of information for learning and training purposes. Mobile e-learning, or learning on our phones, becomes vital for remote work, providing flexible, on-the-go solutions. It's about using our technological sidekick to boost continuous growth in the realm of remote work. Smartphones are still relatively underutilized by companies as pocket-sized learning companions for their employees.
Mobile e-learning helps employees to learn at their own pace and repeatedly for better concept clarity. It simplifies complex concepts into bite-sized, concise modules, enabling efficient learning within busy schedules.
Real World Application of Successful Mobile Learning
Let's look at some examples of how mobile learning is helping businesses succeed:
Big companies like those in the Fortune 500 list are doubling down on eLearning. Around 40% of them use it to train their employees.
LinkedIn says that almost all companies (90%) offer digital learning. And a good chunk of them (67%) let employees do their training on smartphones. That's a lot of businesses jumping on the digital learning train.
These numbers show that a ton of companies are using digital tools to teach their employees. And guess what? It's paying off big time. Training programs can make employees bring in 218% more money for the company.
Take IBM for example. When they switched to eLearning, they were able to save a whopping $200 million.
Plus, investing in training pays off in other ways too. IBM found that for every dollar they spent on online training, they got $30 back in productivity.
And here's something interesting: when companies invest in their employees' careers, those employees are more likely to stick around. In fact, 94% of them are happier to stay put. So, mobile learning isn't just good for business, it's good for keeping the team together and getting more done.
Key Trends in Mobile Learning
As eLearning gains momentum as the go-to method for sharing knowledge, let's explore some exciting trends that’s shaping its landscape. By staying updated on these new emerging methods, companies can introduce better tools for employees’ learning and training, which in turn will help in skill development and performance.
Microlearning: Bite-sized, focused content for on-the-go learning
Microlearning is a learning strategy where the information is compacted into small units and lasting just a few minutes.
In a typical workweek, employees have only 1% of their time allocated for learning and development. With such limited time available, expecting them to go through bulky PowerPoint presentations which they are highly likely to forget within a month is not the best approach. In the still evolving a corporate environment, it’s important to find a method of learning where information that’s being taught does not take a big chunk of their schedule, more engaging and boost better retention.
Micro learning can be done with different formats like
Text (short paragraphs, message bar notifications)
Videos (Information delivered concisely and under a few minutes)
Audios (Short snippets of audios in podcast style one can hear on the get go)
Images (graphic illustrations for visual aid)
Games and quizzes and flashcards for better retention.
Microlearning is designed with today's learners in mind. Adopting this method saves valuable time and money for the companies that would otherwise be spent organizing in-person sessions or creating lengthy study materials. This also makes it easier for the employees to access the info any time, without disturbing their busy schedules.
Gamification: Incorporating Game Elements for Increased Engagement
Gamification enhances learning by strategically incorporating game elements into the educational process. It includes rewards like points, badges, or progress bars which helps to motivate the learners. Making these rewards visible to others and adding leaderboards encourages friendly competition. When incorporated into your company training, this boosts engagement and motivates employees to learn independently, inspiring others to join in and keep up with the buzz.
To know more about how gamification can change the way you train your employees, check out our post on Creating Memorable ELearning Experience.
Personalization in Mobile e-Learning
Personalization is key to effective mobile learning, as it allows tailored experiences that cater to individual needs and preferences. By leveraging data analytics and learner profiles, content can be customized to match each learner's pace, learning style, and interests. This not only increases engagement but also promotes self-directed learning and motivation.
Personalized learning paths empower learners to take ownership of their learning journey, leading to better outcomes and skill development. In the mobile learning landscape, personalization ensures that every learner receives relevant and impactful content, maximizing the effectiveness of training initiatives and driving continuous improvement.
Social Learning: Collaborative and Interactive Learning through Mobile Platforms
Social learning transforms mobile platforms into collaborative and interactive spaces where learners can engage, share knowledge, and learn from each other. Through features like discussion forums, peer-to-peer mentoring, and virtual communities, learners can connect with peers, ask questions, and exchange ideas. This fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie, creating a supportive learning environment where learners feel encouraged to learn more.
Additionally, social learning promotes active participation and knowledge sharing, leading to deeper understanding and retention of concepts. By embracing social learning in mobile learning initiatives, organizations can harness the collective wisdom of their workforce, driving innovation and increasing the team spirit.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in mobile learning
Virtual Reality (VR) creates lifelike, 3D worlds using computer technology. These worlds may not be real, but they feel incredibly real to users, who can interact with them in exciting ways we are into the future of e-learning with Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR).
These cutting-edge technologies don't just teach, they transport learners into immersive simulations tailored to their training needs. Picture yourself in a cockpit, diagnosing a patient, or troubleshooting electronics—all without leaving your seat.
Now in the corporate setting, imagine how helpful it will be if the sales teams can engage in virtual role-playing exercises to refine their communication skills, while customer service representatives can navigate simulated customer interactions to improve their problem-solving abilities.
With VR, learners don't just read or watch; they experience and interact, making learning an adventure for all senses. From grasping complex concepts to mastering practical skills, VR and AR helps corporate training by making it more engaging and effective than ever before.
Challenges and Considerations
Before diving into the implementation of mobile e-learning in your company it's important to know the hurdles and challenges it has, By identifying these obstacles, we can better equip ourselves to overcome them and ensure a smoother learning experience.
Data Security & Privacy Concerns
One major challenge companies might face when it comes to mobile e-learning is the vulnerability of online training programs to potential data breaches and cyber-attacks, risking the exposure of sensitive company and learner information to the outside world. Such breaches not only jeopardize data security but also erode trust.
One proactive approach is to regularly check for vulnerabilities in your server infrastructure and promptly address any identified issues. By prioritizing data protection and instilling a culture of cybersecurity awareness, organizations can safeguard sensitive information, mitigate the risk of cyber threats, and foster a secure learning environment.
Ensuring inclusivity in mobile learning experiences
Crafting truly inclusive mobile learning experiences is not an easy task. Learners with disabilities will struggle to navigate complex mobile interfaces, while others in remote areas may lack access to devices or reliable internet. And let's not forget the diverse culture of the employees that may add another layer of complexity to content creation.
To enhance accessibility in mobile learning, companies can prioritize clear designs, offer alternative formats for visually challenged workers like audio descriptions, provide flexibility in content access by providing offline learning option and incorporate interactive elements. By focusing on these strategies, organizations can create inclusive learning experiences and bridge the gap for optimum learning for everyone.
Overcoming Resistance to Change and Promoting Adoption
Many Organizations that have traditionally relied on classroom-based or e-learning solutions may not want to shift towards mobile learning due to a resistance to change. Some employees may resist new technologies due to fear of the unknown or concerns about job security. Limited awareness of the benefits of mobile learning among stakeholders and higher ups further complicates matters. They often have a preconceived notion that this is one more mandatory company exercise that would take up their already limited time.
All these notions are due to lack of awareness, addressing these challenges requires effective change in management strategies, including clear communication and training. Demonstrating the value of mobile learning through pilot programs and success stories can help to lower down their barricade and more open to it. It's important to foster a culture where new methods and innovation is praised and to encourage workers to adopt it in their comfort and not force it.
Best Practices for Implementing Mobile Learning
Implementing mobile learning in your organization? Here are a few ways to practice it effectively.
Employee Training and Onboarding
Introducing mobile e-learning for training and onboarding right from the start is a smart move. It saves time and resources by getting employees familiar with it early on. Plus, it makes training easily accessible and flexible, fitting into their schedules effortlessly.
Integration with existing eLearning Programs
By integrating mobile learning with your existing e-learning programs, you're creating a seamless learning experience for your employees. It also ensures a smooth transition because employees are already familiar with the e-learning platform. They don't have to learn a new system, hence reducing the learning curve and minimizing disruptions to their workflow. Additionally, it expands learning opportunities by providing employees with more flexibility in accessing training materials.
Regular updates and feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement
Regular updates and feedback are like fuel for the engine of learning. They ensure the content is fresh and relevant. This not only keeps learners engaged, but also allows you to address any areas that may need improvement. Plus, it shows your learners that you value their input and are committed to providing them with the best learning experience possible.
Conclusion
Once confined to certain jobs and projects, remote work is now a regular part of many people's lives. It’s crucial for companies to leverage this new style of working by implementing newer L&D practices such as mobile & e-learning.
Mobile learning isn't just a trend; it's the future of education in the digital age. Mobile learning offers a lifeline for millennial employees seeking to balance learning with their busy schedules. With features like in-time training, microlearning, and personalized experiences, mobile devices become powerful allies in fostering continuous learning.
Furthermore, as remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, mobile learning provides the flexibility and convenience for employees to access course materials and engage in learning activities at their own pace, wherever they may be. By embracing mobile e-learning, companies can maximize productivity while minimizing time and costs, ensuring that employees can acquire new skills and knowledge efficiently, effectively, and on their own terms.