Go Mobile
According to Statista.com, “As of 2013, worldwide mobile phone internet user penetration was 73.4%. In 2017, figures suggest that more than 90% of internet users will access online content through their phones.” While many organizations struggle to choose an LMS, then race to assemble eLearning courses so learners can take training and CE courses online, few have mastered the mobile revolution. Yet, learners are expecting access to content via mobile devices. So, you think to yourself, “it’s okay, our content is viewable on a phone. I mean I have to do that pinch thing, but it’s viewable.” Yes, but is it mobile responsive?
Recently, Google has introduced a new algorithm that penalizes websites for not being mobile responsive. This means that every website that doesn’t conform to various screen sizes takes a hit in ranking. To test your website, visit this link.
So what does this really mean?
Mobile responsive (responsive web design)- “Responsive web design (RWD) is an approach to web design aimed at crafting sites to provide an optimal viewing and interaction experience—easy reading and navigation with a minimum of resizing, panning, and scrolling—across a wide range of devices (from desktop computer monitors to mobile phones)”-Wikipedia
So a mobile responsive website or mobile responsive LMS is one that adapts to various screens, like an iPad or an android phone. Links are clear and usable, text is readable (without that pinch thing), and you can see whole images without having to scroll.
Why does it matter?
Whether you’re marketing your association to new members or marketing continuing education, there are some compelling reasons to upgrade your organization’s website and your LMS to a mobile responsive layout such as these reasons from Google Analytics:
- 48% of users say they feel frustrated and annoyed when they get to a site that’s not mobile-friendly
- 36% said they felt like they’ve wasted their time by visiting those sites
- 52% of users said that a bad mobile experience made them less likely to engage with an organization
- 48% said that if a site didn’t work well on their smartphones, it made them feel like the organization didn’t care about their business
- 67% of users say that when they visit a mobile-friendly site, they’re more likely to buy.
eLearning Industry offers further reasons to implement responsive design such as providing a level of comfort for the user, citing the bring your own device (BYOD) movement for training used at major corporations such as Intel. Their article also states that “By accessing learning material on mobile devices, leaners are also able to interact with faculty and peers using social interactions in the environment the learner is already engaged in.” They also believe that the mobile platform provides a natural environment for gamification, which has gained popularity recently among online education providers.
How do I get started?
Depending on how in-depth your website is, many mobile responsive templates already exist to make the switch over from web-based to mobile easier. With regard to delivering your online learning in a mobile responsive format, find an LMS provider that offers a mobile responsive or mobile first platform.
The future of eLearning and online member education is mobile access for all learners anytime, anywhere, on any device. Will you be ready?
Are you looking for a truly mobile responsive LMS? Visit our LMS page to learn more about Knowledge Direct.
Ready to find out what Digitec can do for you?
