More Than 1 Reason To Switch To Mobile Learning
Posted by 24x7learning on February 2nd, 2015
So mobile learning got off to a slow start – no big deal. (“It was a slow start with a fast finish” – is what you are probably thinking just now). If global statistics are anything to go by, mobile learning or mLearning (as we love to call it), is going places these days, and the end is nowhere in sight! In fact, judging by the sale of mobile devices (again, we are talking “global” statistics here), mobile learning is only going to get bigger and better and finally take over all other forms of learning.
The January edition of our newsletter carried an infographic of our online learning predictions for 2015, and top of that list was mobile learning. If you missed the newsletter – click here to view the infographic. We are right - mobile learning is big, and judging by its exponential growth, it’s the way to go – regardless of industry, sector, demographic or anything else. Did I say “exponential”? Yes I did – 1 out of every 3 organizations is using mobile learning to train its employees. A couple of years ago, in their 2011 report, American Ambient Insight stated that at that point in time 39% or organizations were already using mobile learning and that by this year (2015) there would be a growth of 29.3% among US corporations alone that would buy mobile learning - and that is already happening. The worldwide market for Mobile Learning products and services reached $3.2 Billion in 2010. The five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is 22.7% and revenues will reach $9.1 billion by 2015. 37.2% of the global workforce will be hooked to mobile learning within the next eleven months. If, to the cynic, these are mere numbers stated to make a case for mobile learning, let’s have a look at what the learner has to say for mobile learning.
Over the last couple of years, 100% of employees have said that they prefer the option of using mobile devices to learn. 29% of mobile learners said that they put to practice what they learn via mobile learning – as opposed to a smaller number who access other types of learning. 99% believed that the format and presentation (bite-sized chunks of information), of mobile learning course content, enhanced their learning. 75% have been floored by its sheer convenience and time management capacity. In 2012, 65% of workers declared that their mobile devices were their most critical work devices.
Mobile learning has an impact on the human psych as well. Psychologists will tell us that mobile learning increases the speed of learning, retention, recall and transfer of learning – all of which are a part of the learning process – all of which are a part of the mLearning process as well. Learning is not about listening to a podcast. The best type of learning is by using various mediums to learn – voice, images, videos, etc., - all these are elements of a well designed mobile enabled course.
Mobile learning has the potential to provide learners with learning experiences that are personally meaningful, collaborative, and socially relevant. Mobile learners study 40% more each week because they can study anywhere. These learners are 3 times more likely to track their progress, and twice as more likely to study between 6 am and 8 am – the best time, according to psychologists, for the brain to absorb and retain new and relevant matter.
While the ubiquitous mobile device is just a mobile device to some, it is the world in the palm of his hand for the ‘mobile learner’. Social engagement and informal learning become an integral part of a mobile learner’s life. Technology has liberated the learner’s world and with mobile learning, a learner can now learn anywhere he wants to, whenever it suits him. Even organizations of various sizes and types are getting smart and changing their approach to organizational training by giving in to the (BYOD) policy, so that employees have the freedom to learn on a device of their choice.
If you needed one good reason to go the mobile learning, we hope you needn’t look further – we’ve just presented you with a plethora of hard-hitting facts that speak for this ubiquitous learning. The numbers are on the increase; the enthusiasm knows no bounds. Yes, it was a slow start; but it was a sure start - and mobile learning is here to stay.
For more information and details visit: http://www.24x7learning.com/.
