Transforming Training: Mobile Learning for Companies

From the earliest days of in-personal observational learning to today’s technology-driven professional development landscape, corporate learning has come a long way since the earliest days dating before the 1800s. 

Initially, companies’ learning programs only included on-the-job training and learning opportunities as an apprentice. It wasn't until 1872 that the first documented training school opened. In 1892, the National Cash Register Company distributed the first sales manual to help train sales professionals, NCR Primer, to its team. Nearly 20 years later, role-playing techniques became a popular learning option. It wasn't until 1941 that the government stepped in to develop on-the-job instructional training, and in 1942, the Association for Talent Development was founded.

From the first corporate university (McDonald's Hamburger University) in 1962 to computer-based training that organizations popularized in the late 1900s, the path to professional development has steadily become increasingly flexible and learner-focused. Instructor-based and digital learning was the norm until COVID-19 hastened a more robust adoption of online learning, which has paved the way for the rise of mobile learning.

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What is mobile learning (mLearning)

Mobile learning, or mLearning, describes learning activities you complete using a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device. One of the unique benefits of this learning strategy is its ability to increase accessibility for learners regardless of their geographic location or time constraints. In this way, it opens the door to more learning opportunities and greater sustainability for ongoing training and education outside of a classroom setting. 

Embracing the mobile revolution in corporate learning

Learning and development is arguably more important in a corporate setting than ever. With technology evolving rapidly, investing in human capital and ensuring that the workforce’s knowledge doesn’t become outdated is critical. Having a robust learning and development program is also the key to engaging employees, increasing motivation, and attracting and retaining talent. 

Although learning in a classroom setting still has value, many employees, particularly those in leadership positions, don’t have time to spend hours in a class. Many also prefer practicing their new skills in a safe environment free from scrutiny. Thus, the rise of personal learning journeys and a strong case for the value of mobile learning. 

Employees overwhelmingly want personalized learning and opportunities to develop a range of skills, including those that support their professional and personal goals.

Read more: Measuring the Impact of L&D: How the Best Learning Leaders Prove Value at Three Levels

Types of mobile learning 

The types of mobile learning available vary widely, from short microlearning options to social learning that encourages engaging with peers. It can come in various formats, including video instruction, audio files, podcasts, and quizzes.

When deciding on the type of mobile learning you want to implement, it’s essential to remember that each format has its own benefits and use cases. For example:

Mobile courses: You can make these in-house or connect employees with learning platforms like Coursera. Either way, this mLearning option allows learners to review the materials when and where works best for them. 

Podcasts: Podcasts can be an excellent option for giving employees resources they can use while on the go. Learners can listen while driving or engaging in other activities. 

Videos: This format is popular because it allows you to cover a large volume of information relatively quickly while engaging learners in the content. 

Games: Gamification is a hot topic in the learning industry because it can make learning fun, increase motivation, and minimize boredom. 

Pros and cons of mobile learning for corporate training

Mobile learning excels at providing broad access to training materials and creating bite-sized learning moments. As more corporate learning and development strategies move away from classroom-centered models and embrace electronic and mobile learning, it's essential to understand the benefits and potential limitations. That way, you'll have realistic expectations when implementing it for your own company.

Advantages of mLearning

• Flexibility: Mobile learning empowers learners. Everyone no longer needs to gather in one space and sit through a class all together. With mLearning, employees can learn from wherever, whenever, and in the manner that works best for them. 

• Engagement: Mobile learning resonates with modern learners and increases their engagement with the materials. 

• Easier personalization: Personalized learning improves employees’ learning experience. With mLearning, providing these experiences is simpler. 

• Faster, less expensive learning: With mLearning, learners often can get through the materials faster while retaining more of it. Additionally, producing these materials yourself or subscribing to a learning platform is usually less expensive than in-person training.

• Accessibility: Implementing this type of learning makes it possible to put the learner first and increases access to employees, which has become increasingly pivotal with the rise of remote and hybrid work schedules. 

• Complements in-person training: Mobile learning can be just one of the strategies you employ. It complements other approaches, including in-person training, to provide comprehensive learning experiences. 

Limitations of mLearning 

Although it offers substantial benefits, mobile learning does pose a few limitations. For example, it requires a stable internet connection and learning could be disrupted in the event of any network problems. Additionally, learners must focus and tune out any distractions, which could be more challenging depending on where they engage with the materials. 

How to implement a mobile learning strategy

Like any learning program, creating an mLearning initiative from scratch takes a mix of careful planning and access to the right tools. Check out a few steps to help as you begin:

1. Assess your objectives to ensure the training program aligns with the company’s overall goals and needs. 

2. Consider how employees will access the training to ensure you optimize training materials for various mobile devices.

3. Gather your team. If you’re creating your own learning content, you’ll need specialists, project managers, course developers, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders to participate.

4. Create training content, including videos, quizzes, and audio. Alternatively, research tools and learning platforms that provide access to ready-to-use content. 

5. Plan the roll-out and identify the metrics you’ll use to monitor employees’ progress and the program’s success. 

Take the next steps on Coursera

Mobile learning may very well be the future of professional development. It has the power to meet employee expectations surrounding access, flexibility, and personalization. Additionally, mLearning can help your organization overcome the limitations surrounding traditional training to improve engagement, retention, and results. 

If you want to connect your workforce with a powerful learning platform for instant mLearning access, consider Coursera for Business, which features multiple academies, programs that span nearly every topic, and instruction from worldwide industry leaders. Create custom learning plans from a curated catalog of guided tutorials and projects focused on high-value digital skills and tools.

Solutions like Career Academy offer competitive career development opportunities with training programs from industry leaders like Google, Salesforce, Intuit, Meta, and Ashok Leyland, among many others.

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