A mobile push toward online learning

BENGALURU, INDIA: Easy availability and increasing use of mobile devices is skewing more and more students toward online learning.

Besides easy access to study material online has led to a shift in learning process to online, Talent management firm Skillsoft, said in a study titled, The state of mobile learning in India.

For many in India, mobile has become their platform of choice, where employees are empowered to access learning on demand.

Nearly 80 percent of the respondents in India agreed that mobile learning would increase engagement, while 27 percent felt that mobile learning adoption rate is low in organizations.

The preferred formats of mobile learning are video tutorials for 48 percent respondents, slide shows for 40 percent and interactive participation for 39 percent, the report noted.

Among the challenges, connectivity, speed and VPN requirements (62 percent respondents), network security (58 percent) and inadequate IT support (48 percent) ranked among the top three.

Though 48 percent respondents felt that additional operating costs is an issue, 45 percent organizations said they were planning to implement mobile learning in the future.

"For many in India, mobile has become their platform of choice, where employees are empowered to access learning on demand," Aruna Telang, author and Manager, Skillsoft Asia said.

Much of the success of mobile learning in India can be attributed to the 173 million mobile internet users in India, which decision makers and business professionals can no longer ignore, she added.

"Cloud-based learning is evolving to match the expectations of the mobile employee where learning opportunities often occur throughout the day," said Vinay Pradhan, Country Manager, India, Skillsoft.