Motivating Millennials with Mobile Learning

Case Study – Motivating Millennials with Mobile Learning

Millennials have grown up immersed in mobile technology and they are much more comfortable with mobile than previous generations.

The idea of mobile learning has become much more prevalent in recent years. While currently, less than one-third of companies deliver mobile learning, 97% plan to implement mobile learning within the next three years.

In practice, we have found that mobile learning involves much more than just placing existing web-based training on mobile devices. It is a fundamentally different way of sharing information, and therefore must be thought of as such. When considering a mobile solution, keep the following in mind:

• The user. Learners utilize mobile differently than they do other modalities. The mobile user is generally looking for an answer to a specific question. The design of the mobile solution should be simple and easily navigable – allowing users to access necessary information quickly and easily.
• The information. Ensure the information being shared is appropriate for mobile. For example, providing a systems training course for a system that is only available on a PC doesn’t make a lot of sense.
• The device. Pay attention to the types of devices your mobile solution will be accessed on, and design accordingly. If everyone within your organization is issued an iPhone, an app for that screen size would be appropriate. If there is a Blackberry or two in the mix, you may want to consider other technology, like HTML5.

Onboarding

Millennials respond better to bite-sized learning than long segments of information. They are also self-directed, resourceful learners. These traits can be leveraged and encouraged by providing some aspects of an onboarding solution- particularly those that will be accessed on an ongoing basis. For example, JetBlue developed an award winning mobile learning solution as a part of their employee onboarding program. The solution included an interactive map of their new Long Island Support Center in Long Island City, NY. Users visiting or new to the facility can scroll, zoom, and search the map for resources. This has learners quickly acclimate to the facility and get the most out of its amenities.

Work Reference Tools

Another great application for mobile elements is in the form of work reference or performance support tools. Due to the resourceful nature of millennials, they are comfortable searching for answers rather than waiting to be told. Incorporating performance support information, such as product details, definitions, work flows, and procedures into a mobile, searchable solution ensures that learners have the right information at the point of need. This type of tool is also accessible for review should the learner have any down time.
Building impactful mobile learning solutions can help training organizations engage not only millennials, but all other members of the workforce. Borrowing millennial learning techniques can help all learners and lead to better training in the future.