If engaged in the learning industry long enough, you gain a keen understanding and appreciation for the direction that learning is headed. And occasionally you have the opportunity to witness a genuine ‘tipping point’ in the industry – the adoption of a new approach that delivers meaningful value for those who must perform at the highest levels in business or the world at large.
Needless to say, the ‘tipping point’ these days is undeniably Mobile Learning Technology (MLT). Organizations must respond to the changing learning needs of an ever growing mobile workforce and are constantly telling us they need a mechanism to drive performance support and learning to their geographically disbursed organization… and MLT is the answer. One could argue this indicates the somewhat slow, yet natural process of market adoption to a new technology… a new way of doing things.
Interestingly, the acceptance and breakthrough of MLT has centered on ‘performance support’ as its traction point. Over the past 4 months, Upside Learning has implemented a number of mobile learning engagements and performance support for an on the go workforce is the primary focus in nearly every case. In many instances, these are sales teams in need of quick, accurate updates and insights that they can quickly leverage right at the point of work – exactly when and where they need it.
This article focuses on how companies are going beyond the proverbial ‘toe in the water’ and integrating mobile learning for their organizations…. so without further ado, here are the top 5 ways Upside Learning clients are leveraging MLT in their organizations:
1. Video
A very simple concept yet somewhat new to the mobile learning realm. Short, 2-3 minute snippets designed to extend classroom learning; can be either pushed to or pulled by the learner via mobile device or tablet.
2. Converting and pushing key documents
Performance support at its very core. Ability to dynamically access key information (FAQs, Best Practices, Presentation Materials, etc.); enabling the learner to get data/insight exactly when and where they need it.
3. Extending the blend
Many companies want to continue some form of classroom training, however, are in need of a mechanism to keep the learning alive. Mobile is a great way to give the learner short bursts of data that effectively connects the dots on classroom training and drive real learning/mastery of new skills.
4. On The go workforce
Likely the number one use of MLT today. This group of employees have an absolute ‘on demand’ need for quick updates, competitive information, product specs, presentation details, etc. MLT can be hugely important to their success… or lack thereof.
5. Compliance training
A major flashpoint that has required careful study on the part of MLT providers as the stakes (and risk) are often high. Compliance organizations have studied mobile closely and little by little, have come to embrace the value proposition of MLT.
So there you have it – the very core of what is driving companies to embrace the mobile learning revolution. We look forward to discussing how Upside can make MLT viable for your organization.
