What is mobile learning technology? Why it should be part of your L&D strategy

Mobile learning (sometimes called m-learning) uses smartphones and tablets to enrich organisational learning experiences. Through an LMS app, learners can access and engage with a wide range of learning content regardless of their location. This portable and interactive approach gives learners the tools to develop their skills and build knowledge wherever they are.

Mobile learning can be presented in many different formats, such as video content, gamification and quizzes, giving learners a variety of bitesize content that can be digested easily.

An LMS app can transform the way your organisation approaches learning and development. Here are some of the key advantages.

Learn on the go 

Your learners already have the device in their pocket. Mobile learning removes the last barrier between them and the content: no classroom to book, no laptop to open, no scheduled session to fit around a full diary. Training happens in the gaps that already exist in the working day.

Improves engagement 

By breaking down complex topics into manageable chunks, learners can absorb the content more effectively and build their knowledge gradually. Short bursts of training provide instant gratification and a sense of achievement, fostering a positive learning experience.

Increases accessibility

Mobile learning technology increases accessibility by removing barriers, ensuring that learners have greater access to educational resources and the flexibility to learn according to their own needs and preferences. It enables self-paced learning, accommodates multiple languages and can include assistive technology for those who require it.

Aids personal development

Through mobile learning, learners can engage in ongoing personal growth and development at their own pace and convenience. It allows learners to pursue their personal goals, acquire new knowledge and skills, connect with like-minded learners, and receive guidance from subject matter experts.

Cost-effective learning

Although there's an initial upfront cost, mobile learning technology and online learning content is cost-effective in the long run compared to in-person training, as content can be updated and distributed to users without delay. It also reduces material costs such as textbooks or trainer spends, and removes the need for scheduling or travel for face-to-face classroom interaction.

Both approaches have their place in a well-rounded L&D strategy. Many organisations use eLearning for foundational training and mobile learning to reinforce key messages or support ongoing development.

Mobile learning isn't a single, uniform experience. There are four distinct types of mobile learning, each defined by how closely connected the learner is to their instructor and how structured the content is. Knowing which type fits your workforce helps you choose a mobile LMS that supports the right delivery model for your  organisation.

Socialised mobile learning

This type prioritises connection between learners and their instructor. Learners have space to interact, ask questions, and discuss. It works well in collaborative training environments where peer-to-peer engagement drives the learning.

For example, a manager sharing a short video with their team and asking them to respond via a discussion thread.

Individualised mobile learning 

Here, learners work more independently. The instructor takes a supportive rather than directive role, stepping back to let learners progress at their own pace. This works well for self-directed development programmes or where learners are geographically spread.

For example, a sales rep working through a product knowledge module at their own pace between client calls.

Instructor-led mobile learning

"Transactional distance" refers to the perceived gap between learner and instructor. The lower it is, the more connected the learning feels. In this type, mobile devices are used to actively bridge that gap, keeping learners and instructors in close contact despite the physical distance between them. This approach is sometimes referred to as low transactional distance mobile learning.

For example, a learner completing a compliance course while their instructor monitors progress and sends feedback through the app.

Blended mobile learning

This type combines the closeness of instructor-led learning with the flexibility of self-directed study. Also known as low transactional distance and individualised mobile learning, this approach suits organisations that want to support autonomous learning without losing the thread of instructor oversight. Content is less rigidly structured, giving learners room to explore within a guided framework.

For example, a new starter following a structured onboarding programme while their manager checks in at key milestones.

To implement mobile learning successfully, you need the right technology in place. A Learning Management System (LMS) is a platform designed to facilitate the creation and delivery of learning content. Through an LMS, learners can engage in remote learning and access educational resources at their convenience, regardless of their physical location.

Why your chosen LMS needs a mobile app

When you're implementing an LMS, an important point to consider is that the tools within it need to be supportive of on-the-go learning. This means a mobile app should be available alongside desktop learning. With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, learners expect the flexibility to access educational content wherever they are and whenever they need it. A mobile LMS makes this possible, giving learners the freedom to take control of their development whether they are at their desk, commuting, or working remotely.

The importance of mobile-friendly content within an LMS

Once you have chosen your LMS, the next step is ensuring the content you provide your learners within it is suitable. Facilitating mobile learning isn't just the process of shrinking desktop LMS content to suit a smaller screen. Below are some ways that an LMS provider can ensure a consistent, well-designed experience within your LMS app:

• Bitesize and microlearning content
• Reduced text for mobile-friendly usage
• Smooth interaction and less need for clicking
• Designed for scrolling and swiping
• Punchy content that clarifies points simply

Everything covered in this article, the mobile app, bitesize content, and smooth design for scrolling and swiping, is part of Access Learning's LMS. Your L&D team can create, deliver, and track learning that fits the way your people work.