What is MLearning?

Mobile learning, or MLearning, is defined as the delivery of learning, education or training on mobile devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops or PDAs.  MLearning allows training and support to be taken anywhere, making it flexible and convenient for companies to use.  Many businesses are taking advantage of this new technology to educate employees and clients more efficiently.

MLearning Uses

MLearning is most commonly used for training and education purposes.  The majority of training or learning in the workplace occurs on the job.  However, it can be costly and time consuming to require employees to attend meetings, conferences or other training sessions away from work.  Recently, many businesses have begun to implement MLearning, which allows employees to stay in the workplace to acquire additional training or knowledge.  With MLearning, employees can gain new knowledge faster and be more up-to-date on any changes or company additions.

MLearning has also become a helpful tool in training new employees, since it allows for the company to reduce group or individual training sessions and allow the employee to learn on their own terms.  Not only does this allow the company to save on training hours, but allows the training manager to evaluate which employees are ready to begin work and which ones may need more help before starting on their own.

MLearning Environments

The MLearning environment refers to the manner in which information is available for a particular session, such as how it is organized, what information is available and how it can be accessed. The environments in MLearning are different with every use and can be customized to a particular learner’s needs.  The environment should be flexible and adjustable among different devices – meaning what can be seen/accessed on a mobile phone should also be accessible on a tablet or laptop computer.  If the MLearning environment is not user-friendly or if the information is hard to read or download, the learner won’t be able to gain anything from their session, which cancels the point of training at all.

Tips for MLearning environment:

• Keep information organized
• Ensure all information is easily accessible on all mobile devices
• Always have a contact for technical support

MLearning Tools

Technology has changed the way we receive information.  Computers have replaced reference books when it comes to learning new material, and now mobile devices are changing how we access information that has already been digitized.  One of the key aspects of MLearning is using these mobile tools to access new information for education and training purposes.  These MLearning tools allow learners to access the information needed from anywhere and at any time.  Many of the devices used have become a common household need, such as mobile phones, notebook computers and even MP3 players.  With technology on the rise, employees are more than likely to own at least one mobile learning tool they can use for future MLearning.

Common MLearning tools:

• Mobile phone
• MP3 players
• Tablets
• Notebook/laptop computers
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

MLearning Advantages

The prospect of MLearning has created a long list of the advantages it can bring to a company.  One of the most obvious advantages is the flexibility and convenience of using MLearning and accessing information at any time – anywhere.  But MLearning also allows the content to be customized to the learner, and can benefit different types of learners (i.e. visual learners, auditory learners, spatial learners, etc.).  Since people take their mobile devices wherever they go, MLearning allows users to make use of their spare time, or ‘dead time’, such as while standing in line at the bank, waiting for the bus or even in between meetings/projects.

Advantages include:

• Convenience and flexibility
• Customized learning
• Makes good use of spare time
• Tailored to different learning styles
• Larger access to information

https://corporatetrainingmaterials.com/course/mLearning_Essentials