A CIPD survey tells us that Mobile Learning is THE killer new technology and that On the Job training is the most effective practice. What if we bought them both together?
The CIPD learning and development survey 2015(1) is packed full of interesting findings, including these two separate but fascinating facts:
- Mobile learning is the learning development technology expected to have the greatest impact on the L&D profession in the next 5 years.
- On the job training is considered the most effective learning and development method.
What if we could bring both of these things together to offer employees an on the job learning experience through their smartphone? What would that look like and what kind of success could we expect?
The case for mobile learning
Smartphone usage is now at 71%(2) in the UK and on average, we reach for our smartphones every 12 minutes while we’re awake.(3) The compulsion to make corporate learning and development available on smartphones is a no-brainer. Let’s connect with our people where they’re most comfortable. On their phones.
Why on the job training?
A recent study(4) found that learners that keep to the 70: 20:10 ratio (70% on the job training, 20% peer support/observation, 10% formal learning) were four times more likely to demonstrate a faster response to business change (30 per cent vs 7 per cent); and were three times more motivated (27 per cent vs 8 per cent).
What’s stopping us embracing mobile learning?
Another interesting finding from the CIPD survey was that a major barrier to implementing mobile learning with organisations was the lack of confidence in implementing a new technology. If you’ve toyed with the idea of mobile learning but have shied away, you are not alone. Only 30 per cent of L&D managers were very confident or confident in rolling out mobile technology and this is undoubtedly a factor in slowing implementation.
Bringing it all together with a ‘tech-free’ solution
At Do Something Different, we have been delivering award-winning on the job mobile learning for larger clients like PwC, Cisco, Mondelez and American Express for a number of years. What’s new is that we now have a Mobile L&D Platform (see below) that provides cost-effective mobile learning for clients of all sizes, from SMEs to larger corporates.
Each client can use our standard mobile platform to offer:
- A choice of personal development or wellbeing programmes
- Individually tailored programmes delivered to mobiles, tablets or PCs
- An accompanying app for simple programme management
- An online sharing platform where employees can encourage one another
- End-of-programme reporting for each individual and the organisation
The big breakthrough here is that there is no technical integration required. A single url can launch a programme, so it’s fast, simple and cost-effective to get up and running. And it can be a standalone training offering or integrate with existing internal learning platforms.
Is this the sweetspot we’ve all been looking for?
Results so far have certainly been impressive. In an Agility programme for Mondelez, participants reported they were 28.4% more likely to looks for new ways of doing things. In a Digital Leadership programme with TUI, participants told us they were 77.5% more likely to turn to their online network for thoughts and ideas. If you have a global or dispersed workforce, younger employees or a desire to offer the latest learning solutions, this could well be the sweetspot you’ve been looking for.
How easy is to get started?
Do Something Different offers a wide choice of programmes covering personal development – like Leadership, Resilience and Growth Mindset – and wellbeing programmes including Stress Less, Happiness and Healthy Living. You can be up and running with a personalised programme in a matter of weeks and starting costs can be from as little as £25 per person, per year, regardless of how many programmes your employees use.
To find out more visit www.dsd.me/business, or contact Ray or Ronel via info@dsd.me
References:
1. CIPD Learning and development survey
3. Study by Nottingham Trent University
