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LMS 101: Mobile Learning Technology

Learning Management Systems 101 is a weekly blog series exploring how employers can rethink traditional employee training and move toward e-learning solutions, which are faster, easier to access, and more cost effective. “Mobile Learning Technology” is the fifth post of the series.

Mobile learning, (m-Learning) offers a new education channel in which learners can access content on demand, regardless of time or location – all they need is a mobile device and internet connection. A subset of eLearning, m-learning is rapidly evolving in many regions and sectors of the world, including the U.S. corporate sector.

How Fast is M-Learning Growth?

By 2020, the mobile workforce will represent almost 75 percent of the U.S. workforce, according to the International Data Corporation. Also, Chief Learning Officer magazine reports that mobile learning has become the leading workforce trend to look out for in 2017. According to elearningindustry.com, approximately 47 percent of businesses now use mobile devices to deliver online training – and that number is sure to rise.

Why Is Mobile Learning So in Demand?

Studies show that the main appeal of m-learning is its access. Employees can obtain training or take courses from their smartphone or tablet whenever and wherever it suits them. They can learn at home, while commuting or in their spare time. This scenario wasn’t possible many years ago, when employees had to learn in physical locations at their employer’s discretion. Now, learning can occur anywhere.

Another reason for m-learning’s popularity is cost. Since mobile learning is applicable only to distance learning and not face-to-face classroom learning, employers do not incur costs associated with physical learning – such as consultants, venue and paper document costs. There is also no hardware cost or connectivity charges. Since many employees already have mobile phones or tablets, employers typically don’t have to purchase these devices.

A third reason is ease of use. Mobile learning – which is delivered through a learning management system (LMS) – is easy to administer. Customizable courses can be presented in bite-sized lessons, in the form of videos, podcasts, PowerPoint slides, surveys, quizzes, spreadsheets and more. Simply record the information on your mobile phone, upload it to the LMS, then assign the training or course to relevant employees.

Mobile learning is also a boon to productivity. Employees don’t have to be pulled away from work to participate in training – which is especially helpful to employers with multiple locations.

Case in point:

A growing electric motor company with 380 employees saved a substantial amount of time and money, strengthened client relationships, reached its goal of consistent training, and is on track to be ISO-certified because they implemented mobile learning through the LMS tool, Paycom Learning. The organization’s new hire productivity rate has jumped 80 percent, mainly due to new employees being able to take courses at their convenience during onboarding. This on-demand functionality has also benefitted approximately 50 field employees working on wind turbines – who were able to access training on their mobile device. The company, which has reported saving $270,000 annually through Paycom Learning, was able to:

  • Salvage four client relationships via nonconformity training
  • Deliver consistent training to nine locations
  • Remotely train 50 field employees
  • Provide on-demand training to 380 employees

 

Why Should Employers Consider Mobile Learning?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that millennials will account for 75 percent of the U.S. workforce by 2030. Further, according to a survey by PwC, 41 percent of millennials said they prefer electronic communication at work over face-to-face and telephone communication. The study also ranks excellent training/development programs among the top three things that millennials believe contributes to an employer’s attractiveness.

While the decision to adopt mobile learning should not be based solely on the preferences of millennials, this generation deserves much consideration because technology dominates virtually every aspect of their lives.

To learn more about the evolution of corporate learning, how to refine your approach to employee training, why technology is crucial to onboarding and how an LMS can boost your company’s employee’s engagement, be sure to check out the first four posts of the LMS 101 series.

About the author
Author picture, Holly Faurot
Holly Faurot
Faurot, chief sales officer, has served in a number of roles during her tenure at Paycom, including vice president of client relations, regional vice president, sales training manager and sales consultant. A born leader and a 2012 honoree in Oklahoma’s 30 Under 30 awards, she has helped a number of individuals and clients achieve success through her energetic spirit. The product of a dairy farm in Kenefic, Okla., Faurot was taught at a young age the importance of working hard, being honest and having a desire to help others.