In today’s fast-paced world, continuous learning and skill acquisition are vital for individuals and organizations to stay ahead of the curve. This is as much the case for the acquisition of relational, affective and collaboration skills as it is for technical skills. However, despite the abundance of learning opportunities, there remains a significant gap between acquiring new skills and being able to apply them effectively in real-world scenarios. This gap is known as the skills transfer gap and can be addressed by reducing the distance between the locus of skill acquisition and the locus of skill application. One solution that can help achieve this is mobile learning.

Mobile learning, also known as m-learning, refers to learning that takes place on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. It offers a convenient, flexible and accessible way for individuals to acquire new skills, and can help close the skills transfer gap by reducing the distance between the locus of skill acquisition and the locus of skill application.

Here are a few ways mobile learning can achieve this:

• On-the-go learning: One of the main benefits of mobile learning is that it allows individuals to learn on the go, anywhere, and at any time. This is particularly useful for individuals who are not tethered to a desk, are constantly on the move and have limited time for structured learning sessions. For many employees accessing a desktop device and then logging into a learning management system to access learning content creates too much distance. Mobile learning provides the flexibility to learn at a quick pace and can help learners acquire new skills that can be immediately applied in real-world scenarios. Learning is always available “in the palm of the hand” for speedy acquisition and application.
• Immediate feedback and reinforcement: Mobile learning platforms typically offer instant feedback and reinforcement, which are critical components of the learning process. The instant feedback and reinforcement provided by mobile learning can help to reduce the skills transfer gap.
• Personalized learning: Mobile learning offers a personalized learning experience, which can help individuals to acquire new skills more effectively. For example, a mobile app can provide a tailored learning experience based on the individual's goals, previous behavior when using the app, and self-reported strengths and weaknesses. This helps individuals to focus on specific areas where they need improvement, and can result in more efficient and effective skill acquisition.

In conclusion, mobile learning plays a crucial role in closing the skills transfer gap by reducing the distance between the locus of skill acquisition and the locus of skill application. With its flexibility, convenience, and personalized approach, mobile learning can help individuals and organizations to stay ahead of the curve and continue to thrive in an ever-changing world. Whether you're looking to acquire new skills to address common challenges, or you're an organization looking to upskill your employees, mobile learning can provide a solution that helps you achieve your goals and close the skills transfer gap.