How much of your carefully crafted training content is forgotten before employees ever get a chance to apply it?
Despite investing heavily in learning programs, L&D leaders watch as knowledge gaps persist and skill application rates remain stubbornly low. The most effective learning happens in the moment of need, seamlessly integrated into the flow of work. When employees can access knowledge exactly when and where they need it, they’re not just learning – they’re immediately applying that knowledge to real-world challenges.
NextGen microlearning, with its bite-sized, focused content delivered through mobile devices, perfectly complements this just-in-time approach. By breaking complex topics into digestible segments that can be consumed during brief moments throughout the day, microlearning on mobile platforms enables employees to build knowledge incrementally while maintaining productivity. This combination of accessibility and brevity drives higher engagement rates and better knowledge retention compared to traditional training methods.
EI Powered by MPS, a Brandon Hall Group™ Smartchoice© Preferred Provider, has been at the forefront of this evolution, developing innovative solutions that leverage mobile learning to drive both just-in-time learning and continuous development. Their research indicates that 68% of employees prefer mobile learning, highlighting how this approach aligns perfectly with generational learners’ preferences and expectations.
The Cost of Inaction
Organizations that fail to embrace mobile learning risk several critical consequences:
- Decreased productivity as employees spend more time searching for information rather than applying it
- Reduced engagement when learning experiences don’t align with work habits
- Lower knowledge retention rates due to disconnected learning experiences
- Missed opportunities for real-time skill application and development
- Potential competitive disadvantages as more agile competitors adapt faster
This is particularly crucial for industries and professions with distributed workforces, such as manufacturing, retail, field sales, and healthcare, where employees are deskless or mostly deskless and lack the time and/or space to participate in traditional learning programs.
Best Practices for Mobile Learning Success
Drawing from extensive research and industry expertise, here are key strategies to effectively implement mobile learning.
- Embrace Learning in the Flow of Work (LIFOW)
Research shows that embedding learning directly into daily tasks can boost employee productivity by 25% and increase skill application rates by 20%. Mobile learning platforms can seamlessly integrate with work processes, providing instant access to relevant information without disrupting workflow.
- Leverage NexGen Microlearning
Organizations are rapidly embracing the power of bite-sized learning. Brandon Hall Group’s research study, The Learning Revolution, reveals that 62% of organizations have shifted to microlearning/self-paced learning and 75% are now using microlearning platforms. This transformation reflects a deep understanding of how modern learners consume and retain information.
The future of mobile learning lies in these precision-targeted approaches. Consider implementing:
- Task-specific learning modules that address immediate skill gaps
- Nano based interactive scenarios that reinforce learning constructs
- Push notifications that deliver concise, Instagram-style learning “reels”
- 10-15 minute gamified activities that reinforce key concepts
- A bingeable “just one more lesson” mindset, encouraging learners to continuously expand their knowledge
- Implement Multi-Modal Learning Approaches
Studies show that multi-modal learning can increase retention by up to 60%. Successful mobile learning strategies offer the opportunity to leverage more immersive learning formats to include:
- Games
- Simulations
- Augmented Reality
- Virtual Reality
- Mixed Reality
- 360 degree video panoramic interactions
- Coaching
- Mobile Apps
- Harness AI-Driven Personalization
- Create personalized learning paths based on individual needs
- Deliver targeted content recommendations
- Adapt to learning preferences and patterns
- Provide real-time performance insights
- Focus on Accessibility and Inclusivity
Effective mobile learning strategies must consider:
- Offline access capabilities
- Adaptive interfaces for different devices
- Learners with disabilities
- Learner neurodiversity
- Cultural norms
- Geographic distribution
- Language and dialect preferences
The Path Forward
As organizations continue to evolve, mobile learning will play an increasingly crucial role in employee development and performance support. The key to success lies in creating flexible, learner-centric experiences that seamlessly integrate with daily work routines while supporting continuous learning objectives.
Download EI’s L&D Trends 2025 guide to discover more strategies for creating impactful mobile learning experiences that drive real results. Remember, in today’s digital workplace, it’s not just about making learning mobile-accessible – it’s about creating an ecosystem that supports continuous development and just-in-time learning needs. Organizations that successfully implement these strategies will be better positioned to develop and retain talent while maintaining a competitive edge in their industries.
