5 Reasons to Utilize Mobile Learning for Multigenerational Employee Training

On average, today’s workplace is a mix of five separate generations. Baby Boomers working side by side with Millennials, Generation X supervising Traditionalists, and Generation Z starting to fill positions in the workforce—it’s a diverse group to be sure. We’ve previously discussed some of the challenges facing the modern multigenerational workplace, and one of the most effective training concepts to help meet those challenges is mobile learning or mLearning.

The utilization of mobile devices in training is much more than a passing fad. Here are five reasons it is not only economical, but efficient for today’s multigenerational professionals.

1. The volume of smartphone users

According to nonprofit software and web development company, Capterra:

“64% of American adults own a smartphone. Fifteen percent of people with smartphones report it’s their primary source of internet access. And 30% of smartphone users have used their phone to take a class or engage with educational content in the last year.”

Based on these statistics, it’s clear that the majority of people have access to at least a smartphone, and many people have multiple mobile devices. With an audience that can supply their own hardware, the cost of implementing mLearning programs is much more reasonable than the alternative.

Simply put, utilizing what people already have access to is not only considerate of your learners, it is financially efficient. It also allows employees to feel an added level of responsibility for their training, because their training modules are literally in their hands at all times.

2. Availability of apps

One of the common misconceptions about mLearning is that it is just for large companies who can afford to develop their own mobile applications. This could not be further from the truth.

According to digital marketing expert, Brian Hughes, “The mobile app revolution is having an especially powerful impact on small businesses by helping these companies reduce expensive, redundant processes to be leaner and more cost-efficient.”

For example, if a small business needs a host for trainings they have already developed, and are looking for mobile access WordPress could be the app for that. Its free options for hosting and updating content are perfect for companies on the go. Another situation might include the need for remote training. Educreations’ WhiteBoard app has a basic plan that costs nothing and allows trainers to record and distribute demonstrations with a few swipes on a smartphone.

Basically, mLearning can be for everyone, with some apps even having free versions available to small business owners to help them better train their employees just a few clicks away in their preferred app store.

3. Ease of use

Earlier we discussed the prevalence of multigenerational workforces, and while price point and availability may not directly influence them, having a training program that is easy to use does. It would be a mistake to “assume older generations aren’t going to be receptive to eLearning,” states software developer, eLeap. They also postulate that each generation may have a different immersion level with mLearning in general.

While each individual employee will have a different comfort level with utilizing a mobile device for their training, the ease of use of each app will lend to them warming up to using it.

4. Flexibility

One of the biggest benefits of mLearning is its flexibility—it can be everywhere you need it to be. For many Traditionalists and Baby Boomers that may be a set time and place, but from Generation X onward the majority of people relish the ability to access information and complete training modules at their leisure.

Not only that, but based on a statistic given by Capterra, “by 2018, 70% of mobile professionals will conduct work on their personal smart devices.” The flexibility of mLearning’s learning on demand feature allows it to be there in the exact moment it is needed.

5. Customization

Fifth on the list of reasons why mobile training is effective is how mobile learning is customizable to fit each individual company’s and each individual employee’s needs.

To paraphrase eLearning software developer, Axonify, this mLearning offers the following benefits:

• Offers a personalized learning experience
• Creates direct engagement with users
• Facilitates of “chunking” or “the process of developing information on a single narrow topic and delivering it in a short, simple and memorable way”
• Incorporates active recall methods
• Utilizes the continuous reinforcement of knowledge

Each of these five points are elements of mLearning, and allow for everyone in your workforce from Traditionalists to iGen to learn at a comfortable pace that feels tailored to meet their learning styles.

Based on the effectiveness of mLearning, AllenComm has developed a program known as SiteLine which can disseminate learning content and resources via a network of interconnected portable devices. This allows for highly customized learning by utilizing algorithms to keep track of already accomplished training and tailoring future learning based on the user’s preferences and performance.

In the multigenerational workplace of today, it is critical that companies approach learning from the perspective of individualized learning. Whether your workforce consists of Baby Boomers, Millennials, or the iGen—or a mix of all three—meaningful, engaging training is well within our abilities. The utilization of mobile apps, and mLearning in general, is a key to streamlining training in a multigenerational workplace, because it affordable, flexible, and tailored to each individual learner.