Earlier this year, we posted a blog focusing on the takeover of mobile technology and the five considerations that need to be made, whether you are just starting to map out your plans for mobile learning or are reexamining your current mobile strategy.
Why is it so important to get on board with mobile now? Because mobile technology has already taken over (metaphorically speaking). According to research from Cisco 2014, the number of mobile devices in use globally was set to surpass the total global population officially. By 2019, it is estimated that there will be nearly 1.5 devices in use for every human on the planet.
Now, you know the facts about mobile, have answered all the preliminary questions, and have defined your mobile strategy. We hope you found a technology partner (Meridian!) to help you realize your mobile learning goals. So, now what? Here are five tips to help you set expectations and successfully manage the transition to mobile:
Identify a quick win
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Don’t try to boil the ocean,” but this advice is especially true regarding mobile learning. When launching mobile learning, finding an impactful first project is important. But how do you know which project is right to be your guinea pig? 3 specific criteria come to mind:
- Focus on a project that will improve job execution or help maintain compliance – in other words, make sure you offer learning that has immediate, tangible value
- Make sure that the content is compelling – leverage existing document-based content or find a project where a small amount of content can be developed quickly
- Make sure that the project is something that you will be able to TEST, TEST, TEST before you deploy
Develop a content strategy
Great content, or lack thereof, can make or break a mobile learning program. Ensuring that you deliver the right content via mobile learning is key.
Start by defining a process for existing content. Evaluate the content in your learning management system (LMS) and determine what can be repurposed for mobile delivery. Once you know the existing content that can be repurposed, you will know where the gaps are.
When developing new content, ensure that your courses are “bite-sized” for easier mobile access. Also, set standards that can be used for internal course creation and passed along to any external third parties creating content for your organization.
Set user expectations
User adoption plays a huge role in the success of mobile, and when it comes to getting end users on board, they want to know two things:
- What can they expect? What basic knowledge will end users need to know when using the mobile app—what device platforms will be supported, what the typical content download time will be, and what kind of portability will exist across devices?
- What’s in it for them? Be sure to tell users why they should take the time to install the app on their devices and download learning content. What content will be available to them, and why should they care? Also, share ROI projections such as “we expect to decrease the amount of time to complete the program by 20%, etc.”
This leads me to the next two points…
Put on your marketing hat
“If you build it, they will come” only applies to baseball diamonds in Iowa (trust me, I live in Iowa, so I know what I am talking about). Building a mobile learning program no one knows about will get you nowhere. Awareness is crucial to the long-term success of your mobile learning initiative. Lack of awareness of your mobile offerings can lead to decreased user adoption and long-term engagement. It is time to take a page out of the marketing playbook.
First, ensure that your mobile program fits in with the overall brand and identity of your greater learning program and LMS. Second, create a communication plan to announce your mobile offerings’ launch and notify employees of new courses as they become available.
Continue measuring ROI
In the beginning stages of planning, you more than likely mapped the key performance indicators (KPIs) that resonated with your business needs (and if not, DO IT!). Now, it is time to report on them.
Continually revisit your KPIs as your program goes live. Adjust your targets based on early results, and identify new KPIs that align with new mobile initiatives as your program changes and grows. Also, don’t be shy about sharing your success! Don’t be afraid to brag a little; this is where the marketing aspect comes back into play.