If you simply open the App Store on your phone, you will find there is absolutely no end to applications and new ones are being released as you read this article. If you are struggling with something, chances are “there is an app for it.” Despite the strong population of apps, few make an impression on us and the reason is that not all apps have top-notch marketing, design, functionality or subject matter. From a mobile learning perspective, all these factors are extremely important. To truly master mobile learning, you need to understand what a mobile app user expects.
You cannot directly take a computer-based learning method and transfer it to a mobile device. The manner in which we learn from mobile devices is different from computer-based learning or traditional classroom-setting learning. On average, people spend about 2 hours a day on mobile apps, which is accessed about 150 times. We are frequent mobile users but the time span for using an app is short. So, let’s see what it takes to make mobile learning content successful:
Considering the above statistics, understanding the time spent on mobile learning is critical. It all boils down to subject matter and level of engagement.
For instance, 2-minute learning is best suited for reinforcing information via interactive knowledge checks and updating existing information. 5-minute learning is best suited for interactive learning games and short videos that communicate information. 10-minute learning is best suited for high-level interactive games and integration of social learning.
The above approach for mobile learning helps people engage more effectively. It creates a routine for mobile users where they schedule learning within their mobile activities.
If you visit the app store on your mobile, you will notice that apps are categorized in three ways: games, social media, and mere entertainment. These categories will tell you that mobile users are looking for engagement, interaction and information. So, how can apps be successful in these categories?
The foundation of any successful app is its subject matter. Not all types of learning can be communicated through a mobile device, but you can use various methods to do so. This is where you need to be creative because mobile learning requires a proper development strategy.
This is a no-brainer. If the app is not user-friendly, chances are it will be deleted a few minutes after it’s installed. The key is to not make mobile learning content overly complicated. Avoid complex screens with touchable icons that lead to other apps or browsers. The simpler, the better.
Mobile users are used to interactivity within apps. Unless it is a video, they prefer to engage with the learning on their mobile, which means the app needs to have a balance between what the user is reading and what the user is interacting with.
Social interaction takes two forms: competitive learning and supportive learning. When you take a competitive approach, you have the option to go with games. Game-based learning is probably the most effective form of learning and it keeps the mobile learner engaged and interested for long periods. The learning also becomes repetitive, which means you are guaranteed reinforced information. Supportive learning, on the other hand, leads to strong community approach, which is necessary in a professional environment.
Game-based learning can only happen when learning is part of the game, because otherwise it’s just a game. A successful game-learning app includes knowledge checks where information is reinforced. At the same time, the game needs to be highly interactive that will keep the learner engaged long enough.
Adding incentives to absolutely anything will bring about a positive change in a person’s behavior. Learning can also be made more effective via positive reinforcements, such as goals and rewards. Goals give the user a milestone to achieve and after reaching it, they will get a sense of accomplishment. Rewards have the same effect because they give the learners more purpose to keep learning. Contact us today to learn more about how we help organizations implement a Mobile Learning strategy.
