The Battle between Mobile Learning and Traditional Training for Remote Teams

Struggling to choose between mobile learning and traditional training for your remote team? This article reveals how to leverage the strengths of BOTH methods to create a dynamic learning experience that boosts employee development and drives success.

Explaining the concept of mobile learning and traditional training

These days, the way companies train their employees is changing quickly. Consequently, there are  two distinct approaches have emerged: mobile learning and traditional training. As remote teams become increasingly prevalent, organizations are grappling with the challenge of providing effective and accessible learning solutions. Mobile learning, facilitated through smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices, offers a flexible and on-the-go approach to knowledge acquisition. On the other hand, traditional training methods, such as instructor-led classrooms or webinars, provide a more structured and immersive learning experience.

The rise of remote teams has necessitated a reevaluation of how we approach employee development. With team members dispersed across different locations, the need for flexible and adaptable learning solutions has become paramount. Mobile learning and traditional training each offer unique advantages and drawbacks. In fact, according to Dr. Claudia Kaye, Chief Learning Officer at the Association for Talent Development (ATD), the future of corporate training lies in a blended approach. This way, we can capitalizes on the strengths of both methods. This means combining flexible microlearning modules delivered on mobile devices with instructor-led sessions that foster deeper understanding and social interaction.

“Leaders are culture carriers,”

Adam Grant, Behavioral Change Expert

The rise of remote teams and the need for flexible learning solutions

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed how many companies operate. Remote work has become increasingly common, with teams spread out across different locations. This shift, however, presents a new challenge. Companies must ensure all employees, regardless of location, have access to consistent training and professional development opportunities. After all, studies show that 94% of employees are likelier to stick around with a company that invests in their growth.

Remote teams need training solutions that are easy to access, convenient to use, and specifically designed for their situation. Traditional training methods, like classroom sessions, can be effective, but they might not always fit the dynamic nature of remote work. Here’s where mobile learning comes in. Mobile learning offers educational resources on-demand, allowing team members to learn at their own pace and in a comfortable environment. This flexibility is crucial, especially since a surprising statistic reveals that 29% of business leaders haven’t implemented any systems to track productivity for their remote workforce. Therefore, by providing accessible learning tools, companies can empower their remote teams to be successful and grow their careers. This approach will ultimately boosting overall productivity.

Pros and cons of mobile learning for remote teams

Mobile learning is a great fit for remote teams because it offers several benefits:

• Flexibility: Team members can learn on their own schedule, whenever works best for them. This is especially helpful for people who have different work hours or live in different time zones. They can squeeze in training modules during their breaks or even learn a bit before bed – all at their own pace.
• Accessibility: Almost everyone has a smartphone or tablet these days, so mobile learning makes training materials readily available. There’s no need to travel to a specific location for training – all the learning happens right on their devices.
• Personalization: Many mobile learning platforms can tailor the learning experience to each person. This means team members can focus on the specific skills they need to improve, rather than wasting time on things they already know.

However, mobile learning isn’t perfect either. There are a few challenges to consider:

• Distractions: Since mobile devices are used for so many things, it can be easy to get sidetracked with emails, texts, or social media notifications. This can make it hard to focus on the training material.
• Technical Limits: Some types of training, like practicing a new skill or learning complex software, might be difficult to do on a small phone screen. These might be better suited for a traditional classroom setting.
• Staying Motivated: Without a teacher or classmates around, it can be harder for some people to stay focused and motivated while learning on their own.

Pros and cons of traditional training for remote teams

Traditional training methods, like classroom sessions or online lectures, also have their pros and cons for remote teams:

• On the plus side, traditional training offers a more structured learning environment. This means fewer distractions and a better chance of staying focused on the material. Plus, there’s the benefit of real-time interaction. Team members can ask questions directly to the instructor or discuss things with each other. This method can help with learning and remembering information. Some types of training, especially those that involve learning practical skills, might also be better suited for a traditional in-person or virtually setting.
• However, there are some downsides to consider too. Scheduling training sessions for a remote team can be tricky, especially if people are in different time zones. Traditional training might also require team members to travel to a specific location or have access to special equipment, which isn’t always easy for everyone. Finally, traditional training often follows a set schedule, which doesn’t give learners much flexibility. They can’t learn at their own pace or go back and review something they missed later on.

Effectiveness of mobile learning in remote team environments

Mobile learning has proven to be an effective solution for remote teams in various contexts:

• Microlearning: Bite-sized learning modules, delivered through mobile devices, can enhance knowledge retention and reinforce key concepts for remote team members.
• Just-in-Time Learning: And what makes this even more powerful? Mobile learning platforms enable team members to access relevant information and resources exactly when they need it. This is what 93% of corporate learners say they prefer – having information at their fingertips to support on-the-job performance and problem-solving. Studies have shown this can lead to a 17% increase in employee engagement for organizations that embrace mobile learning.
• Continuous Learning: The flexibility of mobile learning allows remote teams to engage in ongoing professional development, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill enhancement.

However, the effectiveness of mobile learning can still be influenced by factors such as the quality of the learning materials, the user experience of the mobile platform, and the learner’s self-motivation and discipline.

By incorporating the statistics, we’ve emphasized the convenience and impact of mobile learning. The transition phrase “And what makes this even more powerful?” creates a smooth flow and highlights the learner preference statistic. We then connect it to the employee engagement benefit, making the impact clear and relatable.

Effectiveness of traditional training in remote team environments

On the side note, traditional training methods can also be effective for remote teams, particularly in certain scenarios:

• Complex Skill Development: For training that involves intricate technical skills, hands-on demonstrations, or simulations, traditional instructor-led sessions may be more effective than mobile learning.
• Team Building and Collaboration: Virtual classroom settings indeed can foster team building, collaboration, and networking opportunities among remote team members. However, it’s important to recognize the value of face-to-face interaction. In fact, a report by Forbes Insights revealed that 72% of employees believe that traditional, in-person training leads to better team building. This is because physical presence can create stronger connections and a more collaborative atmosphere.
• Structured Learning Paths: Traditional training programs often follow a structured curriculum. It can create a consistent and comprehensive learning experience for all participants.

Nonetheless, the effectiveness of traditional training for remote teams hinges on factors. Some factors are the quality of the instructors, the level of engagement and interaction within the virtual classroom, and the ability to overcome potential technical or logistical challenges.

Choosing the right approach for your remote team: Factors to consider

When determining the most suitable approach for your remote team’s learning and development needs, several factors should be taken into consideration.

1. Learning Objectives: Evaluate the specific skills, knowledge, or competencies that need to be developed. You may also assess whether mobile learning or traditional training is better suited to achieve those objectives.
2. Team Dynamics and Preferences: Understand your team’s preferences, learning styles, and technological proficiency. Some team members may thrive in mobile learning environments, while others may prefer the structure and interaction of traditional training methods.
3. Resource Availability: Consider the resources available, including budget, technology infrastructure, and access to subject matter experts or instructors.
4. Scalability and Accessibility: Assess the scalability and accessibility requirements of your training initiatives. Mobile learning may be more suitable for large-scale, geographically dispersed teams, while traditional training may be more feasible for smaller, localized groups.
5. Blended Approach: In many cases, a blended approach that combines elements of mobile learning and traditional training may be the most effective solution. Therefore, leveraging the strengths of both methods while mitigating their respective limitations may be a good option.

As a behavioral change expert, Adam Grant notes, “Leaders are culture carriers,” emphasizing the importance of choosing the right training approach. It is important to choose what aligns with your team’s culture and needs. This involves understanding your team’s dynamics and preferences to create an effective learning environment.

Moreover, a project management expert from The Digital Project Manager highlights the significance of accommodating different communication styles and preferences within remote teams. This can greatly influence the success of your training approach. The reason is because it ensures that the method aligns with your team’s preferred way of learning.

In conclusion, selecting the right approach involves a thorough evaluation of your team’s learning objectives, dynamics, resource availability, and the scalability of your training methods. A blended approach often provides the flexibility and comprehensiveness needed to meet diverse needs and achieve the desired outcomes.

Finding the balance between mobile learning and traditional training for remote teams

There isn’t a clear winner between mobile learning and traditional training for remote teams. Each has its own perks and can help your team learn and grow. The secret is finding the right mix and using the best parts of both methods to create a well-rounded learning experience that’s custom-made for your remote team.

In the end, how well your training goes depends on how well you understand your team’s needs. It is also affected by how they like to learn and what they’re supposed to learn. Therefore, you can build a fun and interesting learning environment by thinking carefully about the points we mentioned before and using a mix of mobile learning and traditional training. This approach will help your remote team gain new skills, knowledge, and abilities. Eventually, it will allow them to grow in their careers and make your organization even more successful.