Analysis
Hoping to see m-learning in the most unlikely places

Article included in ‘Learning on the Go – tips and trends in m-learning’ Docebo’s free report on the current market – and market trends – in mobile learning.

by Valentina Piccioli, Partner Network Manager, Docebo

 

M-learning is something that is happening right now, all over the world, in all industries and in all sized enterprises. The main driver for this revolution is basic consumer behavior - there’s at least one smartphone in each hand.

 

“In contrast to the previous technology revolution of the PC and later the laptop, this chain of events is happening first at home and then flowing into the workplace.”

Gary Woodill, Senior Analyst, Float Mobile Learning

 

This adoption of mobile learning happened faster than expected. In fact:

“Those with several years’ experience in using technologyenabled learning report higher levels of mobile usage, but we also see a spike in usage in those that are new to using learning technologies, implying that some are adopting mobile solutions as part of their first steps with learning technologies.”

Towards Maturity- Mobile learning in the workplace

 

But what is m-learning? Even if there much disagreement on the definition of m-learning, most will agree that it’s more than simply learning on a mobile device. We are already used to seeing people moving around with their laptops and taking lessons or training sessions whenever and wherever they can. We could say that we are already over this first generation of ubiquitous learning.

 

When talking about m-learning we must take into consideration m-learning as a training methodology, a social trend and a business game changer. We must also take into account that:

  • M-learning transforms traditional training, supports performance at the point of need and, is informal – and social - by nature.
  • The use of m-learning in the non-institutional learning context appears to be the most successful strategy to adopt for now.

 

“Drawing from the literature on both mobile learning and informal learning, Jones et al. (2006) proposed six reasons why mobile informal learning might be motivating: control (over learners’ goals), ownership, learning-in-context, continuity between contexts, fun and communication.”

A.Jones and K.Issroff, Motivation and Mobile Device

 

Finally, we have to consider m-learning as an evolutionary trend. It not only grows in numbers but changes its face each time there is a new technological opportunity or new business model. Let’s think about m-learning in two years from now. We can imagine that, besides smartphones and tablets, we will also have smart wearable devices such as smart watches and smart glasses.

 

“These devices are coming and they will change the ways we look at mobile learning.”

David Kelly, Training, Learning, and Performance Consultant.

 

Conclusion

 

As a mother, I hope to see m-learning in the most unlikely places, for example, I expect to see a mother who, while watching her son playing football, can be found on her iPad looking at all the information she needs to become a football expert! This is also mobile learning.

 

 

Access report ‘Learning on the Go – tips and trends in m-learning’

 

December 2014