With technology rapidly evolving and attention spans shrinking, traditional training methods like lengthy seminars and detailed manuals are proving less effective. Employees are looking for more flexible, accessible, and bite-sized learning experiences that align with their busy schedules. Enter mobile-friendly training and microlearning—two powerful strategies that, when combined, revolutionize employee training.
This article explores how integrating mobile-friendly platforms with microlearning content can offer a dynamic, convenient, and highly effective training solution. We'll cover the basics of mobile-friendly learning, the core elements of microlearning, and how to combine them to boost employee engagement, retention, and performance.
Section 1: Understanding Mobile-Friendly Training
1.1 The Shift to Mobile Learning
Mobile learning, or m-learning, refers to the delivery of educational content via mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. This trend has gained traction as more employees rely on their mobile devices for work-related tasks, communication, and productivity.
The rise of mobile learning isn't surprising. According to a report from eLearning Industry, 67% of learners access learning through mobile devices. The flexibility offered by mobile learning allows employees to complete training modules during downtime, whether they’re commuting, waiting for meetings to start, or even during breaks.
Advantages of Mobile-Friendly Training:
Convenience: Employees can access training anytime, anywhere.
Accessibility: Learning materials are readily available on the devices employees already use.
Engagement: Interactive, multimedia-based modules keep learners engaged.
1.2 Key Features of Mobile-Friendly Learning Platforms
To maximize the effectiveness of mobile learning, it's essential that training programs are designed with mobile use in mind. Some key features of an ideal mobile-friendly learning platform include:
Responsive Design: The platform should automatically adjust to different screen sizes, making content easy to read and interact with on any device.
Offline Access: Learners should be able to download modules and access them even when they’re not connected to the internet.
Push Notifications: Regular reminders and updates help keep employees on track with their training goals.
Interactivity: Mobile platforms should incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes, polls, and multimedia to boost engagement.
By ensuring these elements are incorporated, companies can create a seamless and effective mobile learning experience for their employees.
Section 2: What is Microlearning?
2.1 Defining Microlearning
Microlearning is a training method that delivers educational content in small, manageable chunks, typically focusing on one specific learning objective at a time. These short lessons, often no longer than five to ten minutes, can be consumed quickly and easily, making them ideal for today's busy employees.
Microlearning is based on the idea that people learn better when information is presented in small, focused bursts. Rather than overwhelming employees with a comprehensive training module that takes hours to complete, microlearning breaks it down into digestible pieces, allowing learners to retain more information.
2.2 Benefits of Microlearning
Microlearning offers several key advantages that align with modern workplace dynamics:
Retention: Studies show that learners forget up to 80% of what they learn within 30 days if they don’t apply the knowledge. Microlearning helps combat this by reinforcing key points in short intervals.
Engagement: Short lessons with clear objectives keep learners motivated and focused, making it easier for them to stay on track.
Flexibility: Employees can complete modules in just a few minutes, making it easy to integrate learning into even the busiest schedules.
Adaptability: Microlearning content can easily be updated and customized to fit the specific needs of a company, department, or individual employee.
Given the fast pace of most industries, microlearning is ideal for training employees on new skills, updates, or regulations without overwhelming them with long sessions.
Section 3: The Power of Combining Mobile-Friendly Learning and Microlearning
3.1 Why the Combination Works
Combining mobile-friendly platforms with microlearning creates a training experience that is not only convenient but also highly effective. Employees can engage with content in short, focused bursts on a device they already carry, ensuring training fits into their everyday lives.
Here’s how the combination works to enhance employee training:
Flexibility and Convenience: Microlearning's bite-sized content fits perfectly with mobile platforms, allowing employees to complete modules whenever they have a few spare minutes, whether during their commute or a coffee break.
Improved Retention: The ease of access provided by mobile-friendly platforms means employees can revisit training materials as often as needed, reinforcing learning and improving knowledge retention.
Cost-Effective: Delivering short, targeted training via mobile devices can reduce the need for in-person training sessions, which often come with high costs for travel, accommodation, and lost productivity.
Engagement Boost: Combining mobile technology with interactive microlearning content—such as quizzes, video tutorials, or simulations—can significantly increase learner engagement and motivation.
3.2 Practical Applications in Employee Training
Here are a few practical ways to combine mobile-friendly learning with microlearning:
Compliance Training: Many organizations require employees to complete regular compliance training, which can be time-consuming and tedious. By breaking it down into microlearning modules and making it available on mobile devices, employees can complete training at their own pace without disrupting their day-to-day tasks.
Onboarding: New employees often face information overload during their first few weeks on the job. Microlearning delivered through mobile platforms allows them to learn the necessary information in digestible chunks, ensuring they retain what they need to know and can revisit topics as needed.
Skills Development: Employees looking to develop new skills can engage with a mobile-friendly training app that delivers relevant microlearning modules on topics such as leadership, communication, or technical skills. This approach allows for personalized learning paths, so each employee can learn at their own pace.
Product Knowledge Updates: When new products or services are launched, sales teams can quickly and easily access microlearning modules via their mobile devices to stay updated on product features and benefits, allowing them to sell more effectively.
Section 4: Creating an Effective Mobile Microlearning Strategy
4.1 Steps for Implementing Mobile Microlearning
To fully harness the power of mobile-friendly microlearning, companies should follow these key steps:
Identify Learning Objectives: Start by defining clear, specific learning objectives for each microlearning module. Each module should focus on a single skill or concept to maximize retention and effectiveness.
Design for Mobile First: Ensure that your training platform is optimized for mobile devices. Responsive design is crucial, as is creating content that is easy to consume on small screens.
Leverage Multimedia: Microlearning modules should incorporate a mix of text, video, infographics, and interactive elements to cater to different learning styles and keep learners engaged.
Incorporate Assessments: Use short quizzes or polls at the end of each microlearning module to assess learners’ understanding and retention of the material.
Monitor Progress: Use analytics to track employee progress through the training modules. This data can help managers identify areas where employees may need additional support or follow-up training.
4.2 Common Pitfalls to Avoid
When designing a mobile microlearning strategy, avoid the following mistakes:
Overloading Content: Microlearning is about brevity. Avoid cramming too much information into a single module, as this can overwhelm learners and reduce retention.
Ignoring User Experience: Ensure that the mobile platform is easy to navigate and user-friendly. Poor design can deter employees from engaging with the training.
Lack of Feedback: Continuous feedback is key to improving employee learning. Ensure learners receive regular feedback on their progress and performance throughout the training.
Section 5: The Future of Employee Training
The future of employee training is undoubtedly moving toward more flexible, accessible, and personalized learning experiences. The combination of mobile-friendly platforms with microlearning is at the forefront of this shift. As companies continue to adopt these training methods, they will see improvements in employee engagement, knowledge retention, and overall performance.
Emerging Trends:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: AI-powered mobile platforms can deliver personalized microlearning experiences, adapting to each employee’s learning style, preferences, and performance.
Gamification: Introducing game-like elements, such as leaderboards or rewards, can make mobile microlearning more engaging and fun for employees.
VR/AR Training: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are set to enhance mobile learning by providing immersive, hands-on training experiences.
By embracing these trends, companies can stay ahead of the curve and continue to offer innovative training solutions that meet the evolving needs of their workforce.
Summary
Combining mobile-friendly platforms with microlearning presents a powerful solution for employee training in today's fast-paced and digitally connected world. This approach delivers flexible, engaging, and effective training that fits into employees' busy schedules, boosts retention, and increases engagement. By understanding the benefits and best practices of this combined strategy, companies can implement a training program that empowers their workforce to learn and grow continuously.
As the workforce continues to evolve, so too must training strategies. Mobile-friendly microlearning is the key to building a well-trained, agile, and engaged team that is ready to tackle the challenges of the modern workplace.
About LMS Portals
At LMS Portals, we provide our clients and partners with a mobile-responsive, SaaS-based, multi-tenant learning management system that allows you to launch a dedicated training environment (a portal) for each of your unique audiences.
The system includes built-in, SCORM-compliant rapid course development software that provides a drag and drop engine to enable most anyone to build engaging courses quickly and easily.
We also offer a complete library of ready-made courses, covering most every aspect of corporate training and employee development.
If you choose to, you can create Learning Paths to deliver courses in a logical progression and add structure to your training program. The system also supports Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) and provides tools for social learning.
Together, these features make LMS Portals the ideal SaaS-based eLearning platform for our clients and our Reseller partners.
Contact us today to get started or visit our Partner Program pages