Seven trends make m-learning inevitable
Mobile learning is an inevitable consequence of seven key trends, says Martin Addison of Video Arts. Martin writes in TrainingZone, offering some key tips for success.
With such a wide range of options for delivering learning already available, do we really need another?
The simple answer is yes, if we want our learning to have more impact. Utilising handheld devices to access and enhance video-rich learning is, for me, not only a logical progression, it's actually an unstoppable force that stems from the coming together of seven trends. These trends are:
The demand for just-in-time learning
Learning departments have long been under pressure to deliver learning quickly and not to take people away from their desks. This has led to an increase in demand for bite-sized, just-in-time interventions that support individual learners.
The increased take-up of mobile devices
Smartphones and tablet computers such as the iPad - with touch-sensitive, full colour screens - offer a dynamic new way for individuals to consume learning content. For organisations, the ubiquity of handheld devices, such as these, presents a great opportunity to deliver performance support and learning content to employees whenever it is needed.
People like to learn via video
Video has always been a popular and effective means of training. It stimulates, engages and entertains people, triggering them to think, feel and do things differently. Commercial video libraries are now available which offer flexible online access to thousands of individual video clips, each of which lasts a few minutes and focuses on a particular topic, everything from customer service to leadership.
The growth of online video
Technological developments have changed the delivery of video in training, from 16mm reels, VHS, CD-Rom and DVD through to digital video streaming. For trainers, online video has the huge advantage that you no longer have to move physical resources around…when you stream video clips over an intranet or the internet, anybody at any time and anywhere can view them.
The desire to 'mash' content into a custom experience
It's easier than ever to create your own content. However, it is not so easy to create context-specific learning. Content may be king but context is the kingdom and more and more organisations are now taking content from publishers and mashing it up with their own expertise and insights, or adding their own branding, to make their content more engaging and memorable.
The demand for exciting learning
Learners have always cried out for humour and personality in training. However, the humour has to support the learning. You can't just shoe-horn gags in, for the sake of it. The essential principle here is that people learn nothing when they're asleep and very little when they're bored. To learn, we have to be engaged.
The availability of apps
A key development stemming from the above trends is the creation and take-up of apps. From free to a few pounds, the app is provocative in its size and versatility. Apps are being developed across different platforms, to run on desktops, tablets and smartphones. They're easy to create and intuitive to use, which makes them ideal for either just-in-time skills development or refresher training.
Conclusion: Four tips for successful m-learning
These seven trends are impelling the market towards m-learning. But a word of caution before you rush out to commission your own customised apps. My advice is:
- Remember, m-learning is about learning, not about technology.
- Support your learners.
- If you're incorporating video, frame it.
- Recognise that a change of role is required.
M-learning is already happening and its evolution is inevitable. You may be able to resist the pull of technology but can you really resist the pull of learner expectations? Quite simply, this is what people want. Will your organisation be able to deliver it?
