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In recent years, the world has become dependent on mobiles. The rise of smartphones and handheld devices has ushered in a lot of useful and revolutionary applications and features, and one trend that has sprung from the rise of handheld tech has been mobile learning.
Mobile learning is the new norm. There are new mobile learning apps introduced to the market every day, which deliver quality content to students and employees looking to improve or adopt new skills. The demand for mobile education is so high that experts predict the market to expand by $46.9 billion (with a CAGR of about 26%) by 2024.
Because it’s the future of education, it’s time for the mobile-first approach, which focuses on delivering your solution for mobile users first. You want to create a mobile learning app that gets users engaged with your content and motivates them to learn more.
Mobile learning apps are a great implementation of online learning tech that can lead to real progress for users, so now is the time to launch your online course’s native mobile app and to start crafting engaging mobile learning experiences.
Here’s how to stand out from the crowd with your app.
What is mobile learning?
Mobile learning places distance education into the palms of users’ hands. Learners use their devices to access content, which gives them continuous access to information, materials, and resources. It can provide the best in visual learning content as well as more traditional text-based material.
Mobile learning brings microlearning to the forefront. Microlearning is the most 21st-century approach to education. It divides the educational process into multiple small parts for students, requiring them to spend no more than 10 minutes on easily digestible material.
Integrating microlearning into an app can help to increase course completion rates and user engagement and attract a wider audience of learners. Experts say microlearning makes learning 17% more efficient.
Types of mobile education apps
When you’re designing a mobile learning app, it’s important to consider the different options. The type of app you choose will differ based on the demographic of the user and the intended purpose of the course.
For example, you may use one type of education app to teach your development team about robotic process automation. This will look and perform differently from the app your child uses to learn a new language.
Types of mobile education app include:
Mobile learning vs. electronic learning
Both inside and outside the classroom, e-learning and mobile learning have become a staple. From job training to learning a second language, educators and employers have long understood the utility of these online modes of knowledge acquisition.
The worldwide e-learning market is estimated to be worth $398 billion by 2026. That’s a 300% increase from 2015’s $107 billion.
But what exactly is the difference between mobile learning and electronic learning? Let’s take a look.
The device
The most obvious difference between the two types of learning tech is the device you use to access courses. Electronic learning is typically done on a desktop or laptop computer, while mobile learning gives access to assessments and materials via a mobile device.
The device type will impact how the application or site is programmed. Whatever device is used, both mobile learning and e-learning applications should undertake QA automated testing to ensure their usability.
The assessment
Generally, the assessments in mobile learning occur immediately after the lesson. With e-learning, users are given a bit more time to process and work with the material before their assessment. If you have any uncertainty around how to organize the course and its assessments, there are outline templates available for you to use in your course design.
The Time
The time learners spend on the material is another difference between mobile learning and e-learning. Mobile learners study material in shorter increments. They can start and stop at any time. However, the convenience of readily accessing the material means they’re encouraged to study more often. Electronic learners may have fewer sessions but will spend longer periods in front of their computers.
The place
When it comes to elearning, learners are generally bound within locations where they have their learning tool, such as a computer or a laptop, and available internet connection. However, using a mobile device provides them with the opportunity to access and study educational material from anywhere. This makes a great match for learners who have particular schedules that require them to be in different places.
The benefits of mobile learning
Whether you’re using mobile learning for employee training and development or bringing it into a classroom, the benefits are endless. From easy access to improved information retention, developing a mobile learning app can bring your learning strategies into the 21st century.
Let’s now consider the various advantages of mobile learning.
Accessible
Nearly everyone has a device that can download applications from mainstream mobile app stores. The ability to use mobile data or Wi-Fi means your mobile learning application will be available to nearly all your target users. The tech is now advanced enough that the design makes this usable and entertaining while also remaining affordable.
For example, if you want to provide your accounting team with additional training that fits into their daily schedule, it may be beneficial to make an accounting learning application. The team can refresh on whether your company uses LIFO or FIFO for inventory and what each strategy involves. You can provide additional resources and assessments to track learning and progress.
The accessibility of mobile learning is evidenced by its popularity in app stores, as you can see in the graph below.
Flexible
Students and employees lead busy lives. Mobile apps encourage learners to reach goals while remaining flexible. They can access courses 24/7 and fit in a session whenever they have a minute to spare. This flexibility fits into people’s schedules and also suits their learning preferences. Some learners find they work best in the morning, for example, while others are night owls.
Unlike a teleconference, mobile learning allows users to absorb information at their own pace. However, you can offer your students blended learning that incorporates teleconferencing too, for synchronous learning that corresponds to what they’re being taught on your mobile app.
Promotes microlearning
Microlearning means that material is divided into small units or involves only brief learning activities. It’s both engaging and encourages users to meet a series of short-term goals. Mobile apps are the perfect platform to deliver this type of learning. Instead of users spending hours trying to absorb the material, they get to engage for just a few minutes at a time.
The beauty of the mobile app platform is the existence of push notifications. You can remind users to visit regularly and brush up on certain skills. This personal touch from the mobile app makes learners feel they are part of an online learning community.
Engaging
Mobile applications are designed to engage users, and mobile learning apps are no different. The platform allows endless ways to engage with and connect to learners, and because most people take their mobile devices everywhere, they can use your app anywhere, anytime.
Mobile learning apps are designed around the learner, and the platform is versatile enough to keep even the most disengaged learners interested. It does this by supporting visual learning in the form of audio, video, and images and creating a dynamic and fast-paced learning environment.
Collaborative
One problem with distance learning is the lack of collaboration between peers. However, mobile learning apps are designed to improve communication and build a community of learners. The platform allows learners to connect with mentors, teachers, and peers to discuss ideas from anywhere in the form of SMS texting, discussion forums, and comment sections.
Personalized
Mobile learning strives to meet the needs of individual learners. It can be personalized to include as little or as much information as needed for the desired goal. Mobile learning apps use personal information provided by the user to customize interactions and connect directly with the learner. The personalization in mobile learning makes it more engaging and fun.
The platform is great for providing learners with dashboards that detail their progress. Users can even customize their own goals and pace for the course. They may also be able to edit daily reminders and choose daily tasks.
With personalization, there’s a responsibility to protect user data. If you’re storing data in your servers, research the top CASB vendors to secure your learners’ personal information. A CASB is cloud-based or on-premises security software. It enforces enterprise security policies for those accessing cloud services.
Cost-effective
Mobile applications are more affordable than ever to build and maintain. While some cost does come with creating and managing a mobile learning app, there are ways to offset this or even make a profit.
In-app purchases, advertisements, and integrating premium accounts will bring money in while providing students with accessible content. Though charging for applications in the app store is common practice, providing free downloads will get users to put your application on their device. Then you can have additional features that bring in revenue at little cost to your users.
The revenue from mobile apps has increased yearly since 2014. The estimated revenue for 2023 is $935.2 billion. This comes mostly from advertisements, in-app purchases, and premium accounts.
Multi-device support
Mobile learning apps’ quick development potential is a great way to launch your digital learning strategy. After your mobile application is available, you can make the course accessible across devices.
Technology makes it possible for courses to be available across everything from PCs to smartphones. The more you can reach your users across various platforms, the more engaged they will be.
Merges best practices and technology
Mobile apps use the latest tech on our most-used devices to deliver content to learners. Educators and employers are also constantly getting better at teaching through digital platforms. The ability to use audio, videos, and images with collaborative tools like discussion forums brings cutting-edge teaching methods to mobile devices.
Videos can be pre-recorded lectures with distanced teachers using an online video chat app or even YouTube. If a course features synchronous and asynchronous learning, previous lectures can be made available to students directly on their mobile devices
Higher retention and completion rates
Everything we discussed, from multi-device support to its flexibility, contributes to mobile learning’s primary benefit: higher retention and completion rates. In the end, success is what we want from our learners. This means they must stay engaged with a course and finish it.
Whether you’re providing training in the professional world or teaching students, mobile learning makes it easy for learners to keep returning to a course. It also makes them accountable for their progress. Mobile apps make it straightforward to track engagement and progress too and to make that information available to the learner and the organization.
About LearnWorlds Mobile App Builder
Now you know what mobile learning is and its benefits, let’s talk about an amazing solution for your new app. With LearnWorlds Mobile App Builder, you can place your app in your learner’s pocket, anytime and anywhere. You can launch your online courses with your very own native mobile app for iOS and Android and start crafting engaging mobile learning experiences for your students.
Are you still dreaming of your own mobile app, in your own app store account, with your own branding? Dreams come true cause LearnWorlds got your back!
It brings the “wow factor” back to education
Why stick to traditional methods of education when there are newer and more effective ways of learning? Mobile learning apps deliver education that will motivate your learners using an engaging and interactive platform. Disrupt the status quo in your industry and be among the market leaders by going mobile-first.
Mobile education is the future, and the future is now
Mobile apps are the most cutting-edge and accessible way to access information. Making your material mobile-friendly allows it to be accessed by the widest range of users.
Mobile learning apps allow students to engage with your content throughout the day, wherever they go. This is perfect for students who have focus issues or are always moving between extracurricular and social activities. It can be a great way to increase online course participation.
Microlearning is the new black
As we’ve discussed throughout the article, microlearning is a method of teaching that’s been proven to increase retention and course completion rates. Mobile learning is the most effective approach for delivering it. Mobile App Builder allows you to integrate microlearning easily and effectively.
Features
The most powerful weapon for your business is in your student’s hands, in other words: your own mobile learning app The LearnWorlds Mobile App Builder comes with some awesome features for your learners. We take mobile education a step further and allow you to tap into the benefits of mobile learning for your business.
✨ Customization to its fullest
In Mobile App Builder you can customize colors, backgrounds, splash screens, and more. When you’re designing your application, consider using a screen-sharing tool. This will allow your team to remotely play with different features and decide on the branding and overall look of your application.
Create an app your users will enjoy and immediately connect to your organization. Consider using a 100% white-label solution, like LearnWorlds, that places your brand at the forefront. A “white-label” solution fully supports your product while making sure your organization is the face of your app.
🔥 Native Mobile App Technology
LearnWorlds uses cutting edge native technology and user experience design to create fully native mobile apps. This state-of-the-art tech allows you to ensure your robust mobile app works on the widest range of devices. It also makes sure your device stays relevant in today’s market to provide enhanced learning experiences to your audience.
🛍️ Your OWN App on your OWN App store account
Launch a native iOS and Android app into your Google Play Store account and Apple App Store account. This means your app will be under your brand from the start. Customers will know where to find you and know they can trust the download. Trust and access through Google Play and Apple App Store will lead to improved customer retention.
🧑🤝🧑 Expand your reach
You want to reach as many learners as possible, right? Whether online, digital, mobile, or hybrid, it’s one of our main goals as trainers and educators. Reach a wider audience and increase your brand recall with a 100% white-label solution.
🚀 Increase course completion rates
Your own branded app is the latest medium for becoming more profitable and successful. It also allows you to deliver on a platform that’s proven to increase course completion rates. With a mobile learning app, you can create a platform that’s sure to help students reach their potential.
📲 Anytime & anywhere
Put your app in your learner’s pocket. This allows your learners to engage with your content throughout the day, wherever they go. Making an app can keep your learners engaged with your course 24/7 and gives them access whenever they need it.
Conclusion
Over 85% of people in the United States now own a smartphone. That number is more like 95% in people aged 19-49. That means mobile learning applications are widely accessible for users. They don’t need to own a laptop or have access to a physical classroom to get the most out of expanding their knowledge.
Because users can easily access courses from anywhere, they can engage in meaningful learning 24/7. This means that, as an organization, you can train employees or teach students or learners from the comfort of their homes. This can be a great way to add extra features to an in-person course or on-site training.
Start your journey with mobile learning today. Whether you have a great idea for an independent app or are an organization looking to provide a new way for employees or students to learn, you can go from concept to launch quickly and easily.
With LearnWorlds Mobile App Builder, we can make sure your product works and is available to your users. We take the most challenging part of the development and UX design and leave you to focus on providing the best content.
As we see mobile devices becoming more sophisticated and learning more digital, the mobile learning industry will continue to grow. From humanities to job training to STEM, mobile learning will soon be a staple in our lives, so there’s no better time to embrace mobile learning than now.
Sam O’Brien
Sam O'Brien is the Director of Digital and Growth for EMEA at RingCentral, a Global VoIP, video conferencing, and call center software provider. Sam has a passion for innovation and loves exploring ways to collaborate more with dispersed teams. He has written for websites such as G2 and Hubspot. You can find him on LinkedIn.
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