In my last blog, I discussed “Why Mobile Learning?” Now, let’s look at how you can move your online training to mobile. Designing for the mobile user is different. And whether the learner is using an iPad or Android phone, you have to keep the small screen in mind to make the learner’s experience a good one.
Push. Pull. Or Collaborate.
When designing content, consider whether you will use content push, content pull or collaboration. Content push is intentionally delivering the instruction or materials to the learner (e.g. sending the learner a link to a mobile learning module). This may be anything from simple presentations and animations to more sophisticated simulations and games designed to drive content to the learner.
Some of the most effective mobile learning uses ‘pull’ mode (where the learner requests the information or knowledge) rather than ‘push’ mode. The key is motivating learners to seek out content. Today, most learning takes place informally. In the pull model, learners determine when to access content, and the mobile application provides ready access. Examples could include a wiki, reference documents, or a just in time learning module that functions across the organization.
Collaboration is another way mobile technology can enhance and support performance and learning by connecting learners with their peers. Collaboration can take place across social networking or online discussion boards.
Regardless of how you distribute the information, try using these seven tips to design impactful mobile learning.
Design for the Small Screen. Keep in mind that mobile applications have limited screen size, smaller keyboards, no mouse and limited bandwidth for multimedia files. It’s important to design for form as well as function on mobile devices, rather than just porting an existing design to the mobile platform.
Keep it short. Research suggests chunking e-learning into 10 to 15 minute modules. However, with many users accessing mobile devices while they are on the go, it makes sense to keep mobile learning modules even shorter, as brief as 2 minutes per segment. This allows users to take short learning breaks between their other activities and takes into consideration the likelihood of frequent interruptions.
Keep it simple. When designing m-Learning, remember the acronym KISS: Keep It Simple and Straightforward. Users have small screens and little bits of time so low information density is critical for effective mobile content. Mobile users demand quick, clear, and easy-to-use applications, so interfaces should be intuitive and task-oriented.
Talk to the hand. Design for users who like to operate their mobile devices with one hand and for users who have what we call the “fat fingers” issue. So, the clickable areas should be surrounded with as much white space as possible. Also, remember that typing on a mobile device is challenging, so keep data entry to a minimum. Limit responses to optional choices or short fill-in-the-blanks. Think of mobile applications as tools for learning and not just another content delivery system.
Keep designs colorful but simple. Consider bright, yet clear illustrations, which are less processor-intensive than a detailed photograph or complex animation. Don’t use media in situations where it isn’t needed. The more complex the visual element the more bandwidth is required for download. You don’t want to run the risk that your images can’t be seen and users won’t finish the training.
Make it relevant. Mobile learning is very effective for ‘’just in time training’’ and can help you reach your audience before or after a ‘learning’ event.’ You can address essential knowledge critical to changing behaviors immediately. You can also tune up previously acquired skills presented through e-Learning or classroom-based instruction.
Make it ongoing and flexible. For m-Learning to be effective it must remain pertinent and connected to the original message. Materials must be updated regularly. Remind your audience that resources continue to be available to them. In addition, mobile learners should be able to bookmark and return to a mobile nugget, wherever and whenever they choose.
Through the boom in advanced mobile technology, how we access information and learning has evolved. Chances are your organization can take advantage of mobile learning. The key is defining this need and finding the right m-Learning solution that fits your user, your technology infrastructure and your culture. These best practices reinforce our belief that mobile learning is most effective in a blended learning model as well as when it is continuous, ongoing and accessible.
How are you using mobile learning in your organization?
JPL
Learning Solutions
7 Tips for Designing Effective Mobile Learning
In my last blog, I discussed “Why Mobile Learning?” Now, let’s look at how you can move your online training to mobile. Designing for the mobile user is different. And whether the learner is using an iPad or Android phone, you have to keep the small screen in mind to make the learner’s experience a good one.
Push. Pull. Or Collaborate.
When designing content, consider whether you will use content push, content pull or collaboration. Content push is intentionally delivering the instruction or materials to the learner (e.g. sending the learner a link to a mobile learning module). This may be anything from simple presentations and animations to more sophisticated simulations and games designed to drive content to the learner.
Some of the most effective mobile learning uses ‘pull’ mode (where the learner requests the information or knowledge) rather than ‘push’ mode. The key is motivating learners to seek out content. Today, most learning takes place informally. In the pull model, learners determine when to access content, and the mobile application provides ready access. Examples could include a wiki, reference documents, or a just in time learning module that functions across the organization.
Collaboration is another way mobile technology can enhance and support performance and learning by connecting learners with their peers. Collaboration can take place across social networking or online discussion boards.
Regardless of how you distribute the information, try using these seven tips to design impactful mobile learning.
Through the boom in advanced mobile technology, how we access information and learning has evolved. Chances are your organization can take advantage of mobile learning. The key is defining this need and finding the right m-Learning solution that fits your user, your technology infrastructure and your culture. These best practices reinforce our belief that mobile learning is most effective in a blended learning model as well as when it is continuous, ongoing and accessible.
How are you using mobile learning in your organization?
The following are links to blog posts that served as resources for the above tips.
Ten Tips for Designing Mobile Learning Content – Learning Solutions Magazine
Mobile Learning Best Practices and Lessons Learned – the Learning Generalist
10 Tips For Designing mLearning and Support Apps – eLearning Coach
Two Bite Brownies = Mobile Learning – eLearning by Experience blog
Five Practical Mobile Learning Tips – Upside Learning blog
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