How to assess the cost of a mobile learning platform?

How to assess the cost of a mobile learning platform?

Key takeaways

  • The cost of a mobile learning platform depends on the type of application.
  • Three options exist: native app, PWA, or hybrid app.
  • Native apps are more expensive but unlock full smartphone capabilities.
  • PWAs are more affordable and work across platforms, with limited mobile features.
  • Hybrid apps balance cost, compatibility, and mobile functionality.
  • Costs vary based on operating systems: iOS, Android, smartphone and tablet.
  • UX/UI design is a significant budget item.
  • Learning content creates ongoing costs.
  • Content must always remain learner-centric.
Summary

Do you know the cost of a mobile learning platform? The digitalization of training now involves mobile phones. The Mobile learning has been developing over the last few years. Here's what you need to know in order to assess the cost of a mobile learning platform.

The design of a mobile learning platform does not necessarily require new models, however the learning theories applied to mobile have their specificity that must be taken into account.

Why opt for a mobile learning platform?

On average, a smartphone is used for more than two hours a day and it is now possible to do a large number of activities on it: answer emails, play, watch a streaming series... and follow training courses. THEmobile learning offer So it makes a lot of sense.

The modern employee will thus be more likely to follow a training course when it is accessible via their smartphone. There is a great chance that their motivation will increase, as the course material is divided into smaller pieces, so the learner will be able to complete part of the course more quickly.

Choose the type of application

Native applications

Native applications are created specifically for a platform of Mobile learning. Depending on the operating system, they can only be developed using a single programming language.

These applications will only be available on the operating system store.

The Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

These applications are the basis for websites that are optimized and configured to meet the specific needs of mobile displays. The advantage of the Progressive Web App is that it can be compatible with multiple mobile platforms. On the other hand, this type of application does not allow you to take advantage of all the functionalities of a smartphone.

Hybrid applications

As the name suggests, hybrid applications are a mixture of the characteristics of native applications and Progressive Web Apps. They can therefore work on all types of platforms. More and more developers are opting for hybrid applications because they allow the main advantages of Progressive Web Apps and Native Applications to be combined.

Cost of a mobile learning platform: the choice of operating system

Depending on the operating system for which the mobile learning platform will be developed, the costs will vary:

  • Application for tablet or smartphone
  • iOS app
  • Android app

The ideal would be for the platform to be available on all systems and mobile devices (smartphones and tablets).

Take into account the cost of designing the platform

For this step, you need to call on a UX designer who will create a workflow to simulate the use of the application. Once this user journey is defined, he will create low-definition mockups (wireframes) that he will test with users.

Once these models have been validated, he sends them to a UI designer who will set up the graphic charter and design of the application.

In order to best assess the cost of a mobile learning platform, it is important to take this step into account.

The cost of developing content for the mobile learning platform

Setting up a mobile learning platform is not an end in itself, it must then be enriched with relevant content. Each new content has a cost, the cost also varying according to the format chosen. In all cases, the content of the courses or training must meet the needs of learners in terms of knowledge and skills development:

  • e-Learning (modules);
  • Mobile Learning (capsules);
  • MOOC;
  • COOC;
  • SPOC;
  • POOC.

To conclude, it is important to specify that regardless of the technology, the medium chosen and the cost, the content must remain centered on the learner.

Charlotte Rambaud
Charlotte Rambaud
Marketing Manager
  • What are the main cost components of a mobile learning platform?

    The main cost components are the application type, UX/UI design, and learning content production. Technology choices strongly impact the budget. Design affects adoption. Content creates ongoing costs.

  • Native app, PWA or hybrid app: how does pricing differ?

    A native app is more expensive due to OS-specific development. A PWA is more affordable and cross-platform. A hybrid app offers a balance between cost, compatibility, and mobile features.

  • Why does the operating system impact the cost?

    Developing for iOS and Android involves different constraints. Supporting both smartphones and tablets increases development effort. More platforms mean a higher overall cost.

  • Why is UX/UI design a significant budget item?

    UX design defines user flows and wireframes. It includes testing phases. UI design builds the visual identity and final interface. These steps directly improve user experience and adoption.

  • Why can content cost more than the platform itself?

    The platform requires continuous content updates. Each learning asset has a cost. Pricing depends on the content format: e-learning modules, mobile learning capsules, MOOCs or SPOCs. Content must stay learner-focused.

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