Mobile Access & Offline Learning

Mobile Security & Limitations Overview

Acorn PLMS provides comprehensive security controls designed to protect your organisation's data and user information when accessing learning content via mobile devices. Mobile security encompasses encryption protocols, key management systems, and access controls that work together to safeguard personally identifiable information (PII) both at rest on devices and in transit across networks.

Understanding these security mechanisms and the associated limitations of mobile access helps your organisation make informed decisions about deployment, user communication, and security policy alignment.

Security Architecture

Encryption at Rest

Data stored on mobile devices is protected through AWS Key Management Service (KMS), which provides enterprise-grade cryptographic key management. This system ensures that sensitive data—including user credentials, learning records, and personal information—remains encrypted when stored locally on mobile devices.

The KMS framework manages the complete lifecycle of encryption keys, including generation, rotation, and secure storage. When your users access learning content offline or store data temporarily on their devices, this encryption layer protects that information from unauthorised access should a device be lost, stolen, or compromised.

Encryption in Transit

All data transmitted between mobile devices and Acorn PLMS servers is secured using Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.3, the latest and most robust version of the TLS protocol. TLS 1.3 implements advanced encryption algorithms that exceed previous security standards, providing:

• Stronger cipher suites that resist known cryptographic attacks
• Reduced latency compared to earlier TLS versions, improving performance on mobile networks
• Forward secrecy, ensuring that even if encryption keys are compromised in the future, previously transmitted data remains protected
• Streamlined handshake procedures that reduce the overhead of establishing secure connections

This means your users can safely access learning materials, submit assignments, and sync data over public Wi-Fi networks, mobile carrier connections, and other potentially insecure networks without exposing sensitive information.

Comprehensive Data Protection Framework

Acorn's security approach combines multiple layers to create a defence-in-depth model:

1. Key Management: AWS KMS handles all cryptographic operations, ensuring keys are stored separately from encrypted data and rotated according to security best practices.

2. Network Security: TLS 1.3 encrypts all data in transit, protecting information from interception or tampering during transmission.

3. Device-Level Protection: Encryption at rest ensures that even if a mobile device is compromised, locally stored data remains protected.

4. PII Protection: Personal identifiable information is specifically protected through both encryption methods, helping your organisation meet regulatory compliance requirements such as GDPR, FERPA, and CCPA.

Session Management

Session management on mobile devices follows security best practices to balance user convenience with data protection. When users access Acorn PLMS on mobile platforms, sessions are managed to prevent unauthorised access while maintaining usability for legitimate users.

Your organisation can configure session timeout policies, device recognition rules, and re-authentication requirements based on your security posture and user base. This allows you to enforce stronger security controls for sensitive operations while reducing friction for routine learning activities.

Native App Feature Limitations

While Acorn PLMS provides comprehensive mobile functionality, native mobile applications operate within certain technical and architectural constraints:

Platform-Specific Capabilities: Native apps leverage operating system features available on iOS and Android, but some advanced features may have different implementations or availability across platforms. Your development team should verify feature parity during deployment planning.

Offline Functionality Scope: Not all PLMS features are available offline. Content that requires real-time server interaction—such as live discussions, dynamic assessments, or real-time analytics—requires active network connectivity. Your organisation should communicate these limitations to users during training.

Storage Constraints: Mobile devices have limited storage capacity compared to servers or desktop computers. Large video files, extensive course libraries, or comprehensive offline packs may need to be selectively downloaded rather than cached in their entirety.

Device-Specific Limitations: Operating system updates, manufacturer-specific restrictions, and device capabilities (such as processor power or available RAM) may affect app performance or feature availability across your user base.

Security Best Practices for Your Organisation

To maximise the effectiveness of Acorn's mobile security controls:

• Communicate Security Features: Ensure users understand that their data is encrypted and they can safely use mobile devices on public networks.

• Establish Mobile Policies: Define which devices, networks, and use cases are appropriate for accessing sensitive learning content.

• Monitor Session Activity: Regularly review mobile access logs to identify unusual patterns or potential security concerns.

• Keep Apps Updated: Ensure users install the latest version of the Acorn PLMS mobile app to receive security patches and improvements.

• User Education: Train administrators and end users on recognising security threats and following your organisation's mobile security policies.

Compliance and Regulatory Alignment

Acorn's security architecture supports compliance with major regulatory frameworks by protecting PII through encryption and secure transmission. Your organisation can leverage these built-in protections to meet requirements under GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act).

Consult your compliance officer to ensure your mobile deployment strategy aligns with applicable regulations and industry standards for your sector.

Getting Support

If you have questions about specific security controls, feature limitations, or implementation guidance for your organisation's mobile strategy, contact the Acorn support team. They can provide detailed information about your deployment configuration and help address security concerns.

Native Mobile App (iOS/Android) Native Mobile App (iOS/Android)

Overview

Acorn PLMS provides a native mobile application specifically designed for learner course consumption. The native app is purpose-built to support offline learning scenarios, allowing you to download your assigned training content while connected to the internet and complete courses even when connectivity is unavailable. All completion data and progress automatically syncs to your account once you regain internet access.

Platform Availability

The native mobile app is currently available on iOS devices, including iPhone and iPad. This means you can access Acorn's full native app experience on Apple devices with offline capabilities.

Android native app support is not currently active. If your organisation requires Android native app functionality, this should be flagged as a confirmed requirement early in your implementation process so it can be evaluated and appropriately scoped with Acorn's product team. Android support can be re-enabled if needed, but it should be treated as an explicit organisational requirement rather than an assumption.

Mobile Access Options

Acorn supports two distinct mobile access approaches to serve different learning scenarios:

Native Mobile App (iOS) - Purpose-built for course consumption and offline learning - Download content for offline access - Complete training without internet connectivity - Automatic progress syncing when connectivity is restored - Optimized performance for dedicated app experience

Progressive Web App (PWA) - Accessible on both iOS and Android devices via mobile browser - Designed for mobile-first users with consistent internet access - Fully responsive experience optimized for mobile browsers - No installation required - Accessible across multiple platforms

Your choice between these options depends on your organisation's connectivity environment and learning needs. If your learners frequently work in offline environments or require dedicated app functionality, the native iOS app provides the ideal solution. If your learners have consistent connectivity or require Android support, the PWA offers a flexible browser-based alternative.

Key Capabilities

Offline Content Syncing

The native app's primary advantage is its offline functionality. You can download assigned courses and training materials while connected to the internet, then access and complete this content regardless of your connectivity status. Your progress, quiz scores, and completion status are automatically recorded locally and synced to the Acorn system once you restore internet access. This is particularly valuable for remote workers, field staff, or learners in environments with unreliable connectivity.

Course Consumption

The native app provides a streamlined experience focused exclusively on course consumption. You can access your assigned courses, view learning materials, complete interactive training modules, and track your progress directly from your mobile device. The app is not designed for administrative configuration—it is purpose-built for learners to engage with their assigned training.

Device Compatibility

The native iOS app is compatible with modern iPhone and iPad devices. Acorn PLMS is continuously tested against the latest two iOS versions to ensure optimal compatibility, responsiveness, and functionality across varied screen sizes and resolutions. Your device requires only standard smartphone capabilities with no additional minimum hardware specifications beyond typical commercial iOS devices.

Automatic Progress Tracking

Completion data and progress information are automatically synced when your device reconnects to the internet. This means you do not need to manually refresh or re-submit your work—the system handles synchronisation seamlessly in the background, ensuring your learning records remain current and accurate.

Responsive Design Across All Devices

Beyond the native app, Acorn PLMS is fully responsive and designed to provide a complete and rich user experience across smartphones, tablets, and desktop devices. The platform automatically adjusts to different screen sizes and resolutions, ensuring a consistent and optimised experience whether you are accessing content on an iPhone, iPad, Android tablet, or desktop computer. All core web applications support mobile-friendly operation without compromising functionality or usability.

Instructor-Led Training and Virtual Classrooms

The native mobile app supports instructor-led training and virtual classroom capabilities, allowing you to participate in live training sessions directly from your mobile device. This extends your learning flexibility to include real-time instructor interaction alongside self-paced course consumption.

Implementation Considerations

If Android native app support is a critical requirement for your organisation, this should be communicated early during your implementation planning. While the native app is currently active on iOS only, Android support can be re-enabled if it represents a confirmed organisational need. Clarifying platform requirements upfront ensures your implementation aligns with your learner base and mobile strategy.

For organisations requiring immediate support across both iOS and Android devices, the Progressive Web App provides full platform coverage through mobile browsers without requiring separate native app installations.

Getting Started

To begin using the native iOS app, download Acorn PLMS from the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Once installed, log in with your Acorn credentials. You can then browse your assigned courses, download content for offline access, and begin your training. Your completion data will automatically sync once you reconnect to the internet.

If your organisation uses the Progressive Web App instead, simply visit the Acorn portal through your mobile browser on any iOS or Android device for immediate access without installation.

Offline Access & Sync Offline Access & Sync

Acorn PLMS supports offline access through the native mobile application, enabling learners to download assigned content and complete training without continuous internet connectivity. Completion data automatically syncs back to the system once you reconnect, ensuring your progress is captured and your organisation maintains accurate training records.

Overview of Offline Capabilities

Offline access in Acorn is designed to support mobile-responsive learning across various environments, particularly for field-based employees and organisations operating in low-connectivity areas. The platform accommodates offline learning on a case-by-case basis, meaning your organisation can configure offline features to suit specific training scenarios and learner needs.

The offline functionality works seamlessly with SCORM-based course content, allowing you to complete structured training modules, track your progress locally, and synchronise all completion data when connectivity is restored.

Downloading Content for Offline Access

Getting Started

To download content for offline completion, you must use the Acorn native mobile app—offline access is not available through web browsers. Before downloading, ensure you have internet connectivity, as both initial login and content download require an active connection.

Download Process

Once logged into the native app:

1. Navigate to your assigned courses
2. Select the course you wish to download
3. Download the SCORM-based content to your device
4. The content is now available for offline completion

Your organisation's administrator determines which courses are available for offline download based on content type and training requirements.

Completing Training Offline

After downloading content, you can complete your assigned training at your own pace without requiring an active internet connection. Acorn's offline SCORM player enables full course consumption and interaction, capturing your progress locally on your device.

Your completion data—including quiz results, assessments, and course progress—is stored temporarily on your device while offline. This ensures you can maintain uninterrupted learning regardless of connectivity status.

Automatic Progress Syncing

How Sync Works

Once you reconnect to the internet, your locally stored completion data automatically synchronises back to the Acorn PLMS system. This process is seamless and requires no manual action from you:

• All quiz scores and assessment results upload to your learner record
• Course completion status updates in real time
• Training records become immediately visible to your organisation's administrators and reporting systems
• Your progress is preserved and cannot be lost during the sync process

Data Integrity

Automatic syncing ensures that your organisation maintains accurate, real-time training records. Once synchronisation completes, your completion data is permanent and integrated into your learner profile, contributing to organisational compliance and learning analytics.

Content Types and Offline Support

Not all content types function identically in offline mode. Your organisation can configure various learning activities based on connectivity requirements:

Supported Offline: - SCORM-based courses (full offline capability) - Video and picture uploads - Document uploads (via assignment activities) - Local progress tracking

Typically Requiring Wi-Fi: - Skills assessments (though some configurations allow offline functionality) - Checklists (real-time tracking preferred)

Your organisation may configure specific training scenarios for offline use—for example, uploading completed assignments or documents when connectivity is restored. Discuss offline requirements with your administrator to determine which content types are available for offline completion in your learning environment.

Important Limitations and Requirements

What Requires Internet Access

• Self-registration: Must be completed via web browser with active internet connectivity. The native app does not support self-registration workflows.
• Initial login: First-time authentication requires an active internet connection.
• Content download: Downloading courses to your device requires internet access.
• Some interactive features: Certain real-time tracking and data integrity features may require connectivity.

Offline Access Scope

Offline access applies specifically to course consumption and completion only. Administrative functions, user management, and account setup must occur online. Your organisation may scope offline capabilities further based on specific business needs and field-based learning scenarios.

Use Cases for Offline Learning

Offline access is particularly valuable for:

• Field-based employees: Teams working in remote locations with limited or intermittent connectivity
• Underground or confined environments: Settings where internet access is unavailable or unreliable
• Mobile workforces: Employees traveling or moving between job sites
• Flexible scheduling: Learners completing training during commutes, breaks, or periods without connectivity
• Compliance training: Organisations requiring offline completion documentation for regulatory purposes

Best Practices

1. Download before you need it: Download all assigned content while you have reliable internet access to ensure availability when offline.
2. Check available storage: Ensure your mobile device has sufficient storage space for downloaded courses.
3. Reconnect regularly: Sync your progress frequently to maintain up-to-date records and avoid data loss.
4. Plan for connectivity: If possible, identify times when you can reliably reconnect to upload completion data.
5. Contact your administrator: If offline capabilities don't meet your specific needs, discuss customised offline configurations with your organisation's Acorn administrator.

Getting Help

If you experience issues downloading content, syncing progress, or accessing offline features on the native mobile app, contact your organisation's Acorn administrator or your learning support team. For technical troubleshooting specific to the mobile app, provide details about your device type, app version, and the specific content you're attempting to access offline.

Progressive Web App (PWA): Browser-Based Mobile Learning Progressive Web App (PWA): Browser-Based Mobile Learning

What Is the Acorn PWA?

The Acorn Progressive Web App (PWA) is a browser-based learning platform engineered specifically for mobile-first users who maintain consistent internet connectivity. Rather than requiring you to download and install a separate application, the PWA runs directly in your web browser—on your smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device—delivering a fully responsive experience that adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes and orientations.

The PWA is built to meet accessibility standards aligned with WCAG 2.0, ensuring that learners of all abilities can access course content effectively. This browser-based approach eliminates installation friction and keeps your device storage uncluttered while maintaining professional functionality for course consumption.

Key Capabilities of the PWA

When you use the Acorn PWA, you gain access to a comprehensive mobile learning experience optimized for touch interfaces and smaller screens. The responsive design adjusts automatically to your device's resolution, ensuring readability and usability whether you are on a phone or tablet. Navigation, course materials, assessments, and progress tracking all function smoothly within the browser environment.

Because the PWA is designed for users with reliable internet access, all interactions happen in real-time. You can launch lessons, complete activities, view feedback, and track your learning progress without delay. The platform synchronizes with your account seamlessly, so your progress is always current.

PWA vs. Native Mobile App: Key Differences

While the PWA offers convenient browser-based access, you should understand how it differs from Acorn's Native Mobile App—particularly if offline learning is important to your workflow.

Internet Connectivity Requirements

The PWA is optimized for environments with consistent, reliable internet connectivity. Every interaction requires an active connection to the Acorn servers. By contrast, the Native Mobile App is purpose-built to support offline learning. You can download assigned content to your device while connected, then complete training even when internet access is unavailable. Once connectivity is restored, the app automatically synchronizes your completion data.

Offline Course Completion

If offline learning capability is critical for your organization—perhaps because learners work in locations with intermittent connectivity, remote sites, or restricted network access—the Native Mobile App is the appropriate solution. The PWA is not designed for offline course completion and cannot store course content locally on your device.

Feature Scope and Functionality

The Native Mobile App is intentionally limited to learner-facing functionality. It focuses exclusively on course consumption: accessing lessons, completing activities, and tracking progress. It does not support administrative tasks such as course creation, learner management, or reporting.

The PWA, as a browser-based solution, can potentially support a broader range of functionality depending on your organization's configuration, though its primary design intent remains mobile learner access.

Installation and Maintenance

The PWA requires no installation or updates. You simply open your mobile browser and navigate to the Acorn platform—you are always using the latest version. The Native Mobile App must be installed from an app store and periodically updated, which adds administrative overhead but provides the offline capability the PWA cannot deliver.

When to Use the PWA

The Acorn PWA is the right choice for you if:

• Your organization has reliable internet connectivity across learning locations
• You need immediate access to course content without installation overhead
• You value a responsive, touch-optimized browser experience
• Your learners work primarily online or in well-connected environments
• You want to minimize device storage requirements
• Accessibility compliance with WCAG 2.0 standards is a priority

When to Consider the Native Mobile App

Choose the Native Mobile App if:

• Your learners need to complete training offline or in areas with unreliable connectivity
• You require the ability to download course content for later access
• Automatic synchronization of completion data is essential when connectivity returns
• You want a dedicated application optimized specifically for learner course consumption

Accessibility and Compliance

The Acorn PWA is engineered to comply with WCAG 2.0 accessibility guidelines, making it usable for learners with diverse accessibility needs. The responsive design ensures that text scaling, color contrast, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility all function as expected on mobile devices.

Choosing the Right Mobile Solution for Your Organization

Your organization's connectivity infrastructure and learner requirements should guide your decision between the PWA and the Native Mobile App. If your learners consistently have internet access and offline capability is not required, the PWA delivers a frictionless, browser-based experience that requires no installation or maintenance. If offline learning is essential—particularly for remote teams, field workers, or regions with limited connectivity—the Native Mobile App provides the download and offline completion features the PWA cannot offer.

Consider discussing your organization's specific use cases, connectivity patterns, and learner needs with your Acorn implementation team to determine the optimal mobile learning solution.