Mobile Learning – Gets Learners Performance Support Via Their Mobile Devices

February 25, 2023
0

Technology, as has the way we work, has evolved rapidly over the past few years. The workplace has transitioned from traditional desk spaces to large, fluid areas where people are always connected. Employees have moved from desktop computers to laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Considering the ever-expanding numbers and geographical spread of employees, technology-aided learning has been adopted in large numbers – across varied industries. Mobile learning has also made a powerful contribution to training – making it available per the learner’s needs anytime and anywhere. Can mobile learning management systems provide more than just learning nuggets, or can they be utilized to provide performance support well?

Contents Summary show

Here are some ways that the mobile learning platform can be utilized to enhance the learners’ performance:

To enhance and support the learning imparted in class or through an e-course, course notes can be shared after an instructor-led session or once the learner completes an e-course. This reinforces the understanding and increases its impact drastically. The learners can refer to these notes from time to time and refresh their knowledge, reflecting on their performance. Similarly, checklists can also be prepared for courses or sessions that highlight the learning’s crux through tabulated pointers. Through the mobile device, the learners can refer to these anytime and anywhere – especially during actual work.

Another performance support tool can be sent as practice assignments so learners can practice newly acquired skills outside the class. The terms can also be sent after the learner completes the e-course. The added advantage is that the learner can read up on an e-course on the mobile learning management system, and then the same system provides practice assignments to develop the skills gained.

Short audio recordings or podcasts can also be developed that provide performance support at the time of need. Instructors or learners can create an in-house podcast to encourage sharing and peer learning.

Similarly, videos can be created to gain the instant appeal of all learner groups. Videos are a great way of providing performance enhancement tools through mobile learning as they deliver just-in-time learning, which can be assessed per the learner’s emerging needs. Videos can encapsulate concepts or topics in a way that appeals to learners, as it has minimal text and attractive graphics. It helps learners quickly gain quick knowledge and apply it to their work area. Organizations can encourage knowledge sharing by providing learners with simple devices with built-in cameras to record videos and share them with fellow learners.

It is important to remember that reading space is constricted in the mobile platform. Also, the opportunity to read is when the learner is on the move. In this scenario, infographics can be utilized to convey information. Infographics can be easily created and disseminated among the learners providing encapsulated and tabulated knowledge attractively. Infographics use graphics and minimal text to visually represent concepts, which works well for the mobile platform. Also, infographics are image files compatible with all learner devices, and learners do not have to download any other supporting program. They also take up very little hard-disk space and thus can thus be saved or stored in the device for further utilization per the learners’ perceived need.

It is necessary to provide performance support tools to help learners learn and apply the learning to their work. There are many ways of utilizing the mobile platform, and providing performance support is certainly one.