The past few weeks we have discussed about the various benefits of Mobile learning for enterprise users, the major misconceptions surrounding it, also elaborated on some of the challenges that hinder its adoption. The importance of mobile learning in corporate training isn’t something to be overlooked. According to analysts at Technavio, the market for corporate mLearning has evolved to such an extent that by 2020, it will register a CAGR of nearly 17%.
However, in spite of all the futuristic insights and predictions revolving around Mobile Learning it is still held down by some deep-rooted challenges, hampering its extensive use in corporate training. We have had multiple discussions with various clients and learning and development experts. Gathering from those discussions we have come to the conclusion that at present the 2 major challenges of using mobile learning in corporate training are:
1. Quantification
As mentioned in the research by Technavio, "Quantifying the outcomes of mLearning is one major challenge that a number of companies are currently struggling with. In spite of development in mobile analytics, the absence of appropriate mLearning metrics is seen as a hindrance."
Most organizations also fear the lack of concrete evidence when it comes to cost vs. returns. However, measuring the ROI for mobile learning will take time. Similarly, the analytical metrics for mobile learning is gradually improving. And in the coming years we will have more quantitative value in terms of the impact of mobile learning too.
According to a research paper submitted by Dr. Tyechia V. Paul, Dept. of Management, Marketing and Public Administration, Bowie State University, titled- An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of E-Learning,Mobile Learning, and Instructor-Led Trainingin Organizational Training and Development, "no difference is found in learning performance across the three typical modes of workforcetraining: classroom face-to-face instruction, laboratory-based e-training, and mobile learning. Across eachinstructional mode, subjects in the study acquired the intended knowledge. Managers should invest in the training delivery method that is most effective for their firm. When considering which training method to invest in, managers must focus on convenience, cost, accessibility, development and deployment speed (Rao, S. R. (2011). Global E-Learning: A Phenomenological Study). Learners and employers might find that mobile learning is more convenient than the other modalities."
2. Security
Issues pertaining to security and privacy have also been sighted as a challenge to mobile learning in corporate training. It is a known fact that every organization has its own security protocols.
But, the growing inclination towards the BYOD policy means that this security and privacy issue is being worked on. With the active involvement of the organization's IT team, and adoption of better security features this issue too should be solved in the near future.
According to UNESCO, "Mobile technology is changing the way we live and it is beginning to change the way we learn. It makes learning more accessible, equitable and flexible for students everywhere." In a corporate training environment, this implies better, smoother and effective training- that the learner undertakes on his/her own time, making it more self-driven. It's time that more and more organizations shed the inhibitions and embrace the power of mobile learning.
At Knowzies, we create everything from Custom Mobile learning to mobile learning apps to performance support tools and also have the expertise in mobile app testing. So, if your next step is to move towards mobile learning, you know where to find help.
