How to make e-learning suitable for Mobile Learning

Online learning via mobile devices (Mobile Learning) is becoming increasingly popular. After all, you don't need to start up your computer; you can stay in your favorite armchair or even lie in bed and still learn something new!Research shows that as many as 70% of learners prefer to take an e-learning course via their mobile phone or tablet.

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What is Mobile Learning?

But first, what exactly is Mobile Learning? Mobile Learning (or m-learning) means that learners take an online training course using a "wireless" device, such as a phone or tablet, with the phone being the clear favorite. Mobile learning makes learning easier and more effective by giving learners the opportunity to learn at any time and from any location.

What are the benefits of Mobile Learning?

Mobile Learning offers learners a personalized learning experience. Content can be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each learner. For example, you can add short videos, podcasts, audio clips, quizzes, gamification, and simulations. This makes Mobile Learning much more engaging and interactive. It utilizes interactive elements, which increases learner engagement. With Mobile Learning, you can also save significantly on costs. While you do pay for the software or online access, you save on venue rentals, catering, travel expenses, and trainer fees!

Sounds good, right? But how do you develop an e-learning course that meets all these criteria? To answer this question, we first dive back into a concept that has come up before in our blogs: microlearning.

The importance of microlearning in Mobile Learning

The concept of microlearning involves breaking down lesson material into small chunks that can be watched, listened to, or read in just a few minutes. Microlearning is becoming increasingly popular because research shows that it leads to better learning outcomes. Microlearning shares many similarities with how we use social media today (fast, varied, visually appealing) and therefore often feels more natural and easier, removing certain barriers. Microlearning is therefore also very suitable for shaping "mobile-friendly" e-learning!

How to create an e-learning course suitable for Mobile Learning:

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1. Keep it simple and accessible

When developing e-learning content for mobile devices, it is important to keep the content simple. Mobile screens are smaller than desktops, so avoid long texts, overly large files, or complex layouts. Use clear headings, short paragraphs, and bullet points to improve readability.

Also, ensure that navigation is intuitive so that learners can easily browse through the content.

2. Use a responsive design

Ensure your e-learning platform has a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes and resolutions. This means the content looks good and remains functional, regardless of the device being used.

Responsive designs improve the user experience and ensure that all elements, such as images, videos, and interactive components, are displayed correctly.

3. Integrate multimedia and interactive elements

Mobile devices are ideal for using multimedia, such as videos, audio, and interactive simulations. These elements make learning more engaging and can clarify complex concepts. Additionally, interactive elements, such as quizzes and polls, can help increase learner engagement and test their understanding.

And don't forget: keep it short! Videos of up to 5 minutes, a quiz of up to 5 questions: microlearning is the way to go when developing content for an e-learning course suitable for Mobile Learning.

4. Optimize loading times

Nothing is more frustrating than waiting… Make sure the images and videos you use in your e-learning are optimized for fast loading times without sacrificing quality.

This keeps learners engaged and prevents them from dropping out due to technical problems or out of pure frustration!

5. Offer offline access

One of the big advantages of mobile learning is the ability to learn when and where it suits the learner best. By offering offline access, learners can download and view materials without necessarily needing an internet connection.

This is especially useful for people who are on the road a lot or who don't have a stable internet connection in certain locations.

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By following these tips, you make sure your e-learning content is not only suitable for mobile devices, but also effective and appealing to your learners. Did you know that Pluvo is also very “mobile friendly”? Not just for learners, but for developers too! Contact us in the chat and we'll be happy to tell you more!