e-Learning Blog

In the past, e-learning was primarily conducted using PCs. However, in recent years, due to advancements in ICT (Information and Communication Technology), the shift to online platforms, and the widespread adoption of devices such as smartphones, the demand for e-learning on smartphones has increased.
In the first place, e-learning that can only be accessed via PC is considered to have limitations on learning opportunities for the following reasons.

■Access Restrictions
With the increasing number of tasks being completed solely on smartphones, there are a certain number of people who do not own a PC. Those who do not have access to a PC cannot access e-learning content.

■Lack of Mobility
PCs can be cumbersome to carry and require more operations compared to smartphones, making it difficult to study while out or on the move.

■Requirements for Digital Literacy
To engage in e-learning using a PC, a certain level of digital literacy (the ability to effectively use digital technology) is required. For those who are not familiar with digital technology, learning on a PC may present a higher barrier than on a smartphone.

■Diversity of Learning Styles
Learning styles vary from person to person. For those who want to use their free time efficiently for learning, e-learning that relies solely on a PC may not be suitable.

It has been found that e-learning, which can only be used on PCs, poses a risk of limiting learning opportunities. Therefore, by making e-learning accessible and easy to learn on smartphones, we can provide more people with the opportunity to learn.

According to a survey conducted in 2019 by the e-Learning Strategy Research Institute operated by Digital Knowledge Co., Ltd., titled "Survey on the Use of Smartphones in Corporate Training", 27% of companies responded that "their training can be taken on smartphones." It was found that approximately 1 in 4 companies are advancing the use of smartphones in e-learning.

Survey Overview
Purpose of the Survey: To investigate the current status, latest trends, and challenges of smartphone utilization in corporate training
Survey Period: May 9, 2019 (Thursday) to May 14, 2019 (Tuesday)
Survey Method: Web-based questionnaire
Survey Area: Nationwide
Survey Target: 100 HR and training personnel from companies that have implemented e-learning in corporate training

Let's organize the benefits of conducting e-learning on smartphones.

Merit 1: Freedom and Flexibility of Access
E-learning using smartphones allows learners to access learning without being constrained by time and place. It enables the incorporation of learning into everyday gaps, such as during commutes, waiting times, and breaks, which can lead to the habit of learning.

Benefits.2 Interactive Learning Experience
Smartphones are equipped with features such as touch screens and sensors, allowing for a more game-like approach to learning compared to PCs operated with a mouse and keyboard. Through activities such as quizzes, exercises, and simulations, learners can expect to acquire knowledge while enjoying the learning process.

Benefits.3
Smartphones support various content formats such as video, audio, images, and text. This enables learning through multiple senses, making it easier to absorb information and promoting a deeper understanding.

Merit 4: Learning at Your Own Pace
E-learning using smartphones makes it easy to learn at your own pace, without being constrained by location or time. It becomes more convenient to revisit difficult parts multiple times or to focus on topics of interest while studying.

Merit.5 Great Compatibility with Microlearning
Microlearning, which involves repeated study sessions of 1 to 5 minutes, is a highly efficient learning method that promises effective learning in a short time. By utilizing smartphones, which excel in usability and portability, learners can engage with the material anytime and easily. Additionally, the ability to concentrate and learn in short bursts aligns well with the learning needs of busy modern individuals.

E-learning utilizing smartphones plays an important role in modern educational settings that emphasize flexibility and diversity. It expands the pathways to acquire knowledge and skills while enjoying ease of access, personalized learning, and an interactive learning environment.

To comfortably use e-learning on your smartphone, there are several steps and considerations to keep in mind. Below are the key points necessary for implementation.

●Introduction of a Mobile-Compatible e-Learning System
To make e-learning compatible with smartphones, an appropriate LMS (Learning Management System) such as "Moodle" is necessary. When considering an LMS, it is important to choose the best service that matches learning needs and functional requirements.

●Content Optimization
Let's optimize e-learning content into a smartphone-friendly format. Properly adjusting the content to accommodate screen sizes, resolutions, and touch screen operations will lead to improved usability.

●Adoption of Responsive Design
Let's adopt a responsive design suitable for viewing on smartphones (a design that optimizes display according to the screen size of the device used by the user). This will ensure that content is displayed appropriately, enhancing visibility and usability.

●Ease of Access
Let's provide simple and user-friendly navigation and login processes to make it easy for learners to access content through apps and web browsers.

●Provision of Appropriate Content
Since it is often used during spare moments, content utilized on smartphones tends to be preferred when it is short and easy to understand. Additionally, when selecting content, consider formats and designs that are suitable for viewing on the small screens of smartphones.

●Progress Tracking and Evaluation
Let's establish a system to track and evaluate learning progress and grades using smartphones. By providing appropriate evaluations using the LMS's learning management features, such as test results and report submission rates, we can enhance learners' motivation and improve learning outcomes.

●Embedding Interactive Content
By leveraging the characteristics of smartphones, you can engage learners' interests by incorporating interactive activities such as quizzes, exercises, and simulations into the content.

●Support for Offline Learning
It is important to implement a system that allows learners to continue studying offline even if they interrupt their learning on a smartphone. Let's think of ways to enable learning in places where learners cannot access the internet.

E-learning utilizing smartphones can provide flexibility and convenience, but achieving this requires proper planning and tools. Considering the points above, let's build an effective learning environment.

From the explanation so far, it has become clear that conducting e-learning on smartphones is very beneficial. However, it is important to consider several points when using it. I have summarized the key points for effectively and safely utilizing e-learning on smartphones.

●Security Protection
Since smartphones can be lost or stolen, it is important to protect login information and personal data for learning apps and websites. Additionally, to protect learners' personal information, administrators are required to provide privacy policies and guidelines regarding data protection, and to obtain consent.

●Preparation for Information Leakage
If e-learning materials contain company information, there is a risk of information leakage when the materials are downloaded for study. This risk is particularly heightened in cases where personal smartphones are used, as security measures may not be sufficiently implemented. Therefore, having learners log in to a cloud-based platform during their studies can be considered one way to hedge against this risk.

●Check Device Compatibility
Make sure to pay attention to the type of device, screen size, and resolution used to ensure that the learning content is displayed correctly. This is especially important when taking courses on a smartphone, as there is a concern that the size of the materials may become too small. If the text is difficult to read, it may lead to skipping over information or not noticing important details, which can affect the learning effectiveness.

●Strategies to Maintain Learning Motivation
Smartphones typically operate in an environment where multiple apps and tasks run simultaneously. During learning, it is possible to be distracted by other apps or notifications, which may reduce concentration and motivation to learn. Therefore, it is necessary to implement strategies to maintain motivation, such as incorporating "progress tracking and evaluation" and "interactive content" mentioned in the previous chapter.

By taking these points into consideration, you can plan and implement e-learning on smartphones to achieve safe and effective education.

For busy modern individuals, e-learning utilizing smartphones provides an efficient means of learning. To maximize its usefulness, let's keep in mind the points and precautions discussed in this article and create the optimal learning environment.

If you are considering the introduction of a mobile-compatible e-learning platform, we recommend consulting with a vendor that has specialized knowledge. You can receive various support, from selecting the appropriate platform to customization and implementation assistance.

Human Science has extensive experience in the production of e-learning materials. We leverage our know-how in project management to support everything from planning and design of e-learning. Each project is assigned an experienced dedicated project manager, and a specialized consulting team provides solid support until delivery. If you have any concerns about material production, please feel free to consult with us.

For details about each service, please see below.
＞ Moodle Implementation Support and Operations
＞ e-Learning Material Production
＞ e-Learning Material Translation (Multilingual Support, Localization)