Mobile learning was once an oddball pedagogy in the eLearning landscape. But it didn't stay that way after smartphones came along. It emerged as a flexible and cost-effective solution for personalized learning. 

A survey by Brandon Hall group in 2016, named mobile learning as one of the top three learning priorities for businesses. But it also reported that only ten percent of organizations were fully mobile-ready. Most of them are only doing it in bits and pieces but a sizable portion of 24% didn't even delve into it. 

And then came the pandemic bursting everyone's bubble. The eLearning market exploded as organizations adopting a mobile-first approach while building their eLearning designs increased day by day. 

But why didn't they do that before the pandemic? 

Despite the technology and benefits, mobile learning could still go wrong, if it's not implemented right. If you're new to this platform or just considering it, here are a few implementation challenges you need to be mindful of and how to overcome them. 

Data Security
Confidential or not, data is always a precious asset for any organization. A huge amount of work goes into protecting it. But using personal devices for mobile learning can expose your data to cyber threats. These attacks usually happen due to three reasons. 

Third-Party Apps: Most third-party apps don't use secure connections to access data. That means both your user's personal data and enterprise's data is at risk. According to a report by Webroot, 50% of the apps in Playstore are malicious or suspicious.

Mobile OS does not comply with security software:  When your mobile device's operating systems do not integrate with your IT security software, malicious files can infiltrate your organization's network. 

Privacy: Securing personal devices can be tricky sometimes. Your employees may raise concerns regarding their privacy. We also hear stories about stolen and misplaced mobiles opening ways for mischievous tech geniuses.

Tips to Overcome Security Threats: Like any other modality, mobile learning also has its challenges. But that shouldn't stop you from adopting a BYOD policy or mobile learning altogether. With proper precautions and supervision, you can steer clear of harm's way.

• Install genuine anti-malware programs to secure your devices and servers. Regular updates and firewall activations can fend off suspicious intrusions. Mobile tracking apps and remote wipe applications can be helpful in case of theft and misplaced devices.
• It's important that you restrict content sharing privileges for your learners to protect copyrights and intellectual property rights. However, you can allow sharing reviews, comments, and expert opinions to facilitate collaborative learning.
• Make sure your learners are accessing content via secure internet connections. As most third-party apps access data using insecure connections, restricting their use on the device ensures protection.
• Consider log and monitor options to track and report on your learner's activities. That way you can diagnose when a malicious file creeps in and quickly secure your data.
• Make sure your learners understand the seriousness of security risks through security awareness training. Focus on simple measures like using strong passwords, not allowing others to handle your device, and enabling access blocking settings in case of theft can avoid big damages.

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