Training Trends: Mobile learning is the next generation in training

Monique Donahue

There have been many revolutions in mass media, but none have become as prevalent as quickly as mobile technology has worldwide. It’s a short leap to take this technology and employ it effectively for training in the lodging industry. It’s the next generation of learning—mobile learning. What is mobile learning? It is any learning that takes place via mobile or portable devices such as cell phones, personal digital assistants, tablets, media players and e-book readers. It can take place anywhere and does not require the learner to be at a fixed location. There is a tremendous potential for using this technology and some “bleeding-edge” tools that can be implemented with minimal effort. But to use it effectively, you have to know how to navigate this new, uncharted territory.

First and foremost, because this technology is so new, there will have to be someone in the organization who has the passion to lead the charge. I call it “bleeding-edge” because not all the answers are there yet. Mobile learning is perfect for today’s “do it yourself” culture—there are no standards and people are figuring it out as they go. It will be hard to prepare for where this technology is going and there are likely to be even more glitches than there are with e-learning. Also, not all mobile devices are created equal. There will be expectations of what can be done that don’t meet the reality.

That being said, there are ways to incorporate mobile learning into existing learning plans. First figure out who will use it, how they’ll use it and when.

Mobile learning should not be the whole learning experience. Core knowledge should be taught in other ways. The mobile strategy can help supplement the learning process.

Demonstrate how to use it in class first, and you will likely find that there is greater use outside the classroom than if you merely send a link.

The best uses of mobile learning are for performance support (to help remember or apply something already learned), expanding base knowledge, updating changes and adding new information, and for troubleshooting.
 

Monique Donahue is the VP of research and development for the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. She is a member of and frequent speaker at the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers.