When you think about eLearning within your organization, do you automatically think of employees completing modules on workstations in the training room or at their desks? If so, that’s an outdated mindset that needs to be put aside. You need to embrace mobility. The role of BYOT in eLearning is increasing at all levels of today’s organizations.
What is BYOT?
BYOT stands for “bring your own technology”, not to be confused with BYOD, which stands for “bring your own device”. Both refer to policies within your organization detailing what employees are allowed to bring from home in terms of mobile tech and how those devices can be used within an organization. However, BYOD tends to indicate a restrictive stance, while BYOT is more embracing. Of the two, BYOT should be your target because of the many benefits mobile technology offers your employees in the realm of eLearning.
Read more about Mobile Learning (mLearning) one eLearning.net.
Not Always a Happy Situation
According to CompTIA, up to 53% of privately owned businesses in the US are enacting stricter BYOT/BYOD policies and banning the use of personal electronics in the workplace. This is understandable to some extent, particularly for those organizations worried about work time being wasted on social media. There is also the concern that personal devices with access to sensitive business data might lead to hacks or viruses.
However, when it comes to eLearning, BYOT is not only beneficial, but an essential consideration.
BYOT Allows for Greater Collaboration
One of the most important benefits of establishing a flexible (tech-friendly) BYOT policy is that it can enable better collaboration at all levels within the business. That applies to work flow and job responsibilities, but it also applies to eLearning. While some training will still need to occur on the LMS through a laptop or a workstation, collaborative discussion and learning can occur on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
On the Go Learning
Traditionally, BYOT refers to bringing personal technology to the workplace for use during work hours. However, it can also be extended to using personal devices for work needs (such as eLearning) while not on business premises. By enacting a positive BYOT policy, you allow your staff members much more flexibility in terms of when and where they can complete ongoing training. For instance, they might be able to complete a module during their lunch break, or at home, or even while they’re on the road to visit a client. This saves both time and money, because it reduces workflow interruptions regular working hours.
It Makes Learning Friendlier
Many employees are ambivalent about eLearning, not because they don’t like to learn, but because the process in place is too restrictive, too boring, or not engaging. By allowing the use of personal technology in eLearning, businesses and organizations are able to make learning friendlier and more approachable. It offers greater customization and personalization, which can provide better user engagement as well as better information retention. It also plays right into the increasing trend of gamification – games are often easier to play on tablets or smartphones, particularly if you’re able to incorporate standard controls (swipe, tilt, tap, etc.) into your educational games.
As you can see, while there may be reason to limit some uses of personal technology in the workplace, when it comes to eLearning, this is a trend that should be embraced. It can offer significant advantages to businesses and employees alike.
Suggested Reading
http://www.computerworld.com/article/2948470/byod/the-bring-your-own-device-fad-is-fading.html
http://www.gomolearning.com/blog/5-reasons-byot-business/