What is mLearning?

mLearning stands for mobile learning where a learner receives their educational course materials through a mobile device like a smartphone. mLearning first started appearing in Google search trends in 2005 and has since become a fixture in modern education methods. mLearning can be seen as a subcategory to eLearning as learning from a mobile device is still done through the Internet, but mLearning content looks and functions very differently than eLearning content.

What are the Differences Between eLearning and mLearning?

eLearning and mLearning may seem similar since both methods deliver learning content online, but the content each method specializes in make them different. eLearning content can cover a wide variety of content as laptop and desktop screens are generally large enough to handle complex material without the learner missing details. eLearning courses or classes range between 20-60 minutes, but mLearning content is 10 minutes max. mLearning is designed for quick consumption on the go while eLearning is designed to mimic a longer class setting with extensive experience where topics can be expanded and discussed in detail.

Imagine you are trying to train a new airplane pilot remotely using eLearning and mLearning. Many eLearning components and training materials need the increased power of a full computer, so you would use eLearning to teach longer complex lessons or run flight simulations. mLearning would be useful for letting the new pilot quickly review pre-flight checklists on the go.

eLearning Development: Important for Employees and Managers

eLearning is an educational method that offers many benefits for all learners: employees and managers alike. Those taught through eLearning are not forced to travel to receive training, they can learn at their own pace, and independently review the material as needed. Managers that supply eLearning training methods benefit from lower costs, progress tracking, and a centralized knowledge base.

Employee Benefits

Employees trained with eLearning are not forced to travel to a classroom for a training session. Even if the trip to the classroom was only across town, that is time and money the employee no longer must waste. Since eLearning content is entirely digital, employees can sit down to learn whenever they have time from the comfort of their own offices or homes. If a trainee does not fully understand a lesson, they can review the material on their own without slowing down the rest of the students by asking the teacher to reexplain a topic. eLearning gives employees the freedom to learn on their own time from any location which makes the training process less stressful and easier to navigate.

Managerial Benefits

eLearning is often seen as beneficial for learners, but the managers supplying new employees with eLearning training program also benefit. eLearning as a training solution does not require employees to convene in a physical classroom, so the manager isn’t tasked with organizing and paying for a classroom, physical trainer, and accommodations for team members that travel long distances. Paying for an eLearning service is much less expensive than in-person training. Managers can also track employee performance through this training course through eLearning courses with analytics showing each student’s performance in reports. eLearning also creates a centralized knowledge base so when the business needs to train more employees, new courses can be created, and old ones can be updated to quickly onboard new employees.

eLearning Consulting Strategies

There is a great deal of variation within eLearning content. Two courses can both be delivered online but contain quite different content styles and education methods. Some courses rely heavily on video while others may prefer a text-based approach. The strategy behind eLearning content often determines what type of media the course will use.

Video Lectures

Video lectures most closely replicate a traditional classroom setting where the learner watches a pre-recorded video of the instructor or trainer explaining the lesson. Video courses can be augmented with pop-up questions or small games to reinforce the lesson while increasing student engagement. Video lectures should be paired with multimedia content to avoid the problem of boring talking-heads.

eReading

Text-based eLearning is common as many learning management systems have catalogs of books, articles, studies, and other documents. Learning through reading can be effective, but many learners find this strategy uninteresting. eReading materials help build a large knowledge base that learners can go back to at any time but avoid using only text-based lessons to keep learners engaged.

Simulations

For jobs that require training for specific interactions, computer simulations can help prepare a new employee for the real situation with no risk. A customer service phone operator could practice calls with a simulation so they can practice answers to common questions and prepare for challenging calls. Simulations can mimic a vast range of situations from mechanical maintenance procedures to flying a plane. Simulations are especially important for practicing tasks that are dangerous if performed by someone without the proper skills.

Implementing eLearning Strategies

Successfully implementing eLearning and mLearning strategies require careful planning and consideration. The end goal of implementing an eLearning or mLearning course will greatly affect the complexity of the training plans’ implementation. . If you want to train new employees on basic job functions, the implementation plan will be rather straight forward. However, if your goal is to raise the overall skill level of all employees, you will need a custom training solution for each employee with different levels of qualifications. Before you launch a new digital learning course, the content must pass a test run to ensure there are no technical hiccups or inaccurate information that could negatively impact learners. Once learners have their hands on a new course, monitor their progress to track the course efficiency and conduct a learner survey once the course has finished to further refine the experience.

eLearning and mLearning can be fantastic tools for businesses and employees. Managing and maximizing these training tools takes planning and SkillSource Learning’s professional eLearning consultancy can help you craft the perfect customized training plan to achieve your business goals. Connect with our elearning consultants today. Click here to learn more.