The British Army's move towards blended learning delivery (a combination of classroom and technology-based learning) for Military Annual Training Tests (MATTs) instigated this research in order to evaluate the effectiveness of e-learning and m-learning in delivering MATTs training content, alongside extant classroom-based training. An evaluation of user reaction was assessed by way of questionnaires and workshops. Evaluation of Learning effectiveness was addressed using an empirical controlled experimental design. A pre and post-test assessment allowed comparison of the pre and post-training scores to determine the effect of each training delivery method. The sample group comprised soldiers and officers from the Field and Territorial Army and cohorts of soldier and officer recruits. A total of 425 participants were recruited for the research and randomly allocated to one of the three methods.

The user reaction towards the concept of training using newer technologies was encouraging; the m-learning package was considered the most popular. Participants reacted positively to having a choice of different types of learning content, either "mixing things up bit" or working to their preferred modalities of learning. Flexibility in terms of when and where learning was carried out was seen to be of benefit. The results from the learning effectiveness evaluation revealed that that there were some improvements between pre and post-test scores, and some of those improvements reached statistical significance. The newer technologies (e-learning and m-learning) were as effective as classroom delivery.

It was recommended that further development of e-learning and m-learning packages needs to be user-centred and embrace instructional design principles. Consideration also needs to be given to using e-learning and m-learning as part of a blended solution to delivering MATTs training, alongside instructor led classroom sessions - particularly for emotive-based topics. It is also recommended that research on knowledge retention of materials delivered by e-learning or m-learning be explored.