For those aiming to enhance employee performance, drive behavioral change, and achieve a high ROI on training expenditures, this article is a must-read. In this article, I share 10 mobile learning trends for 2024 with tips for each that will help you maximize their impact.
According to a survey by the Brandon Hall Group, Mobile Learning now features among the top three business development priorities for companies and ranks only behind the need for seamless business alignment and improved data mining.
Embraced by learners for its versatility and adjustable nature, Mobile Learning has developed into a fundamental component of delivering online training. Its widespread adoption, transcending various corporate trainings and industry verticals, has blurred the lines between eLearning and Mobile Learning, making them virtually interchangeable.
- Its widespread adoption (across varied corporate trainings across different industry verticals) is reflected in the fact that we now use the terms eLearning and Mobile Learning interchangeably.
- This is not all – it resonates with diverse learner profiles, the multi-generational workforce that is a typical characteristic across most organizations today.
Mobile Learning in 2024
Mobile Learning has evolved from being a ‘nice-to-have’ to an indispensable tool in the L&D arsenal. This transition is fueled by the changing dynamics of learner and business expectations in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. However, before I list the trends, we want to highlight the changing learner and business expectations and how you can use various trends to meet them.
I use this lens (changing learner and business expectations) to make my recommendations. Additionally, I share tips on Mobile Learning Trends you must adopt in 2024 that will help you address what modern learners want and what business units seek.
The Changing Learner and Business Expectations
Influenced by technological advancements and evolving workplace dynamics, modern learners now prefer training formats that are more autonomous and user-directed, as opposed to the traditional, prescriptive methods often mandated by L&D teams.
What Modern Learners Want:
- Easy Accessibility: Training that is readily accessible and user-initiated.
- Lifestyle Synchronization: Training that aligns seamlessly with their daily routines.
- Control over Learning: The ability to dictate when, how much, and at what pace they engage with training materials.
- On-Demand Access: Instant availability of training resources.
- Versatile Training Options: A focus not only on formal or structured training but also on supportive training tools for just-in-time learning and on-demand aids.
Business Unit Expectations:
Businesses are increasingly focused on the ROI of training investments, seeking clear evidence of training effectiveness and its impact on key business KPIs, especially in a hybrid and global workplace.
Mobile Learning Trends to Watch Out For in 2024
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Enhanced Accessibility Across Devices
- Focusing on universal accessibility, ensuring training is available across various devices and accommodating diverse needs.
- Tips: Implement adaptable design strategies to make content accessible on any device, from smartphones to desktops, considering the needs of a global workforce.
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Integration of Artificial Intelligence
- AI-driven personalization in learning experiences and analytics for improved engagement and efficiency.
- Tips: Utilize AI to create adaptive learning paths, personalized content recommendations, and data-driven insights for targeted learning experiences.
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Adaptation to Hybrid Workplace Dynamics
- Developing mobile learning solutions that are effective in both remote and in-office settings.
- Tips: Create flexible learning modules that support various working environments, fostering collaboration and productivity in hybrid work settings.
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Globalized Learning Approaches
- Tailoring content to cater to a diverse, international audience.
- Tips: Design courses with global cultural considerations, supporting multiple languages and region-specific content.
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Immersive Learning Experiences with AR/VR
- Implementing Augmented and Virtual Reality for engaging and interactive learning experiences.
- Tips: Integrate AR/VR in training programs for simulation-based learning, enhancing retention and practical application.
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Responsive and Adaptive Content
- Content that adapts to different screens and user preferences.
- Tips: Develop responsive and adaptive content that provides an optimal viewing experience across a range of devices.
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Beyond Formal Training: Performance and Behavioral Change
- Leveraging mobile learning for informal, social, and experiential learning.
- Tips: Include resources for informal learning, support social and collaborative learning, and facilitate self-directed learning for real-world application.
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Wider Application of Mobile Apps
- Extensive use of mobile apps for personalized, on-the-go learning.
- Tips: Utilize mobile apps for delivering personalized content and push notifications for important updates and reminders.
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Personalized Learning Experiences
- Offering personalized learning paths based on learner’s proficiency and interests.
- Tips: Use AI and data analytics to create personalized learning experiences that cater to individual career aspirations and learning styles.
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Microlearning for Specialized Pathways
- Utilizing microlearning for focused career and learning pathways.
- Tips: Implement microlearning modules for both formal and informal training, supplemented with video-based and interactive content.
Anticipated impact if you adopt these Mobile Learning Trends
When leveraged correctly, these featured trends and their combinations will help you:
- Align with both learner and evolving business needs.
- Boost learner motivation and engagement through interactive and personalized content.
- Craft memorable learning experiences that stick with learners long-term.
- Ensure practical application of skills and knowledge in diverse workplace environments.
- Provide continual learning reinforcements to counteract the forgetting curve.
- Introduce challenges that encourage learners to revisit and reinforce their knowledge.
- Create dynamic practice environments for skill enhancement and mastery.
- Stimulate a shift in thinking, embracing innovation and adaptability.
- Drive behavioral changes that align with organizational goals and culture.
- Cultivate a robust culture of continuous learning, adapting to global and hybrid workplace dynamics.
The Future of Mobile Learning
As we look towards the future, mobile learning is poised to become even more integral in educational and corporate environments. It will increasingly harness emerging technologies like augmented and virtual reality for more immersive experiences, and artificial intelligence for personalized learning paths. The focus will be on seamless integration into daily life, making learning more accessible and engaging for a global, diverse audience. Additionally, the shift towards a hybrid work model will see mobile learning adapting to provide consistent training experiences, regardless of location. Ultimately, the future of mobile learning lies in its ability to evolve with technological advancements, catering to the changing needs of learners in a rapidly digitizing world.
This article aims to go beyond the typical listings of Mobile Learning trends, providing you with a comprehensive perspective on how you can leverage the featured Mobile Learning Trends in 2024 to create a successful L&D strategy in your organization.
