How To Understand What Learners Need From mLearning

If you really want to create an effective mlearning course, it is important for you to understand what the learners really want out of it.

mobile apps hold clues for mlearningOne of the best ways to do that is to get to know the apps they use on their respective mobile devices. According to the data released by Apple, among the top 10 apps that were downloaded in 2016 includes the following:

  1. Snapchat
  2. Messenger
  3. Pokemon Go
  4. Instagram
  5. Facebook
  6. YouTube
  7. Google Maps
  8. Pandora
  9. Netflix
  10. Spotify Music

At first, there is nothing really remarkable about these. Just a bunch of apps that people use for entertainment purposes. However, if you look closely, you will realize how some of these apps provide clues about how people search for information.

For instance, Snapchat users may seem like a way for self-absorbed teens to tell the world how awesome they are and their lives in general. But some people admitted that they downloaded it to connect to other people. That is the same with Facebook and Instagram. It helps them build relevant connections both on a professional and personal level.

Of all these, YouTube and Google Maps may be more obvious when it comes to its connection with mlearning. They are primarily downloaded to help learners get information – even if it is something as trivial as a toy review for their kids (YouTube) or directions going to the supermarket (Google Maps).

Spotify Music is an indication of how important audio element is in learning. Pokemon Go, on the other hand, indicates how people love gamification.

As you can see, if you look deeper into the very purpose of these apps, you will realize how much it can influence the mobile learning courses that you will create. And if you do further research, you will understand what makes these apps appealing to mobile users.

For information

Primarily, these apps are used for information. Whether it is in giving information or getting it, the apps are downloaded for so the mobile users can get data. Most of the time, these are data that is needed on a timely basis. Cooking videos can be accessed on YouTube as it is needed. As mentioned, Google Maps can be used to get directions. For social networking sites like Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram, this is used to get information and send information. The same is true for Messenger.

For entertainment

Obviously, mobile users, want to have fun. They use their mobile phones to entertain themselves – like Spotify, Netflix, and Pokemon Go. Admittedly, this can be a distraction. But if you get the elements that make these apps appealing, you can incorporate it in your mlearning course. For instance, using the right music to set the right mood can heighten the learning experience. Gamification can make learning a lot more fun and exciting. Since entertainment is basically interesting, you have to use it to turn what should have been boring concepts into something more fun and engaging.

For performance support

Finally, if you notice some of the apps, it can be used as a tool for performance support. YouTube and Google Maps come to mind first. If you have seen how Facebook has evolved, you will know that it can also provide performance support when it is used appropriately. The same is true for the Messenger app. It can be a useful communication tool to connect people with the “experts” in their contact list.

Generally, these apps are used by mobile users to solve problems and address issues. If you can utilize them well, you can really create a great mlearning course that people will download.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles for FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *