Embracing mLearning

As training and development practitioners embrace technology to deliver just-in-time training ensuring workers remain productive, delivery methodologies have expanded to mobile devices. Any traditional educator knows students of all ages will not put their mobile phones down during traditional lectures and tutorials so the question is, do we fight mobile phones or embrace the technology to deliver training?

The proliferation of mobile phone technology has led to the latest incarnation of learning methodologies; mLearning is mobile learning and defined as learning through social and content interactions across multiple contexts using personal electronic devices on demand. As mLearning is asynchronous learning, lessons are accessed by learners on-the-job at their time convenience when required.

Utilising portable technologies allows the for the creation of learning tools to aid informal learning focusing on the mobility of the learner through formalised processes outside of the classroom. As such, mLearning differs from eLearning insofar as the emphasis is on chunking bite-sized learning interactions with micro-lessons utilising interactive tools such as short videos, images, charts and diagrams.

Learners are empowered to take control of their own learning needs utilising andragogy principles of motivated adult learners. Hopefully businesses and individual learners embrace mLearning to create quality learning interactions and outcomes.