Mobile Learning: The Next Generation

Submitted by Celine.Baudinetto on July 30, 2009 - 10:27am

It is impossible to ignore the buzz about new mobile devices. With recent improvements in technology and broad appeal to the new workforce, mobile devices give users access to learning and support content wherever they are: in the office, in a meeting, or deployed overseas. The challenge is finding an effective mobile solution that makes sense for both the organization and the individual.

Things to consider

  • Think Blended. The best Mobile programs are part of broader Blended Learning Solutions. They deliver effective content to Mobile devices in conjunction with traditional Web, Instructor-led, and print-based approaches. It may also be important to integrate Mobile content with your existing Learning and Learning Content Management Systems (LMS/LCMS), which is important if you need to track all of your training.

  • Know your audience. Start your Mobile program with early adopters. They will advocate to the rest of the organization. Some employees will need more time than others.

  • Know your devices. Do your employees use iPods, iPhones, Blackberries, or other Smart Phones? Will they want to use their own devices or will they want one provided to them? Organizations have been successful with a number of models.

  • Know your content. Well-structured learning content can be maintained in a single repository and delivered in many different ways – including Mobile. Smaller platforms require more concise content and it will need to be presented differently from traditional Web-based training (WBT).

  • Know your goals. Mobile delivery is not about novelty. Timely support and communication across the organization should result in improved results and performance. Effective Mobile solutions need clear linkages to business goals, and require regular assessment and measurement.

Moving forward
Have you already been asked about Mobile delivery? The question can come from many different audiences – users, content developers, technical staff, and even management. It is best to start with a small prototype effort with your early adopters, and then transition into a true Blended Solution for your whole organization. As always, teaming with an experienced partner will help ensure your success with Mobile Learning!