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Mobile Learning
A how-to guide
Although these devices play an invaluable much longer timeframe. Several schools
part in accessing mobile learning, it’s and universities are already using audio
worth noting that mobile learning itself learning modules as revision aids as a part
will rarely be the primary delivery platform of their curriculum.
for learning. It is far more common to be
used as part of a blended approach or in Which sort of content is best suited
extending a course offering, often through to mobile learning?
ongoing access to tutors and further The ubiquitous nature of mobile learning
learning support. makes the type of information we receive
for this purpose vitally important.
How can mobile learning be used to
overcome business challenges? In general, simple, self-contained
The pace of business change in the 21st processes, where specific knowledge can
century and the need for constantly be retrieved/accessed in a certain moment,
updated information is a challenge that eg, definitional or quick hit ‘top tips’
all businesses need to respond to. Mobile information) are the most common type of
learning can overcome this challenge by content for mobile learning.
delivering key data at the point of need –
particularly relevant for workers who need For location-specific learning intended
access to updated product specifications. for performance support, the content
received must add value at an exact time
Lack of time is also another challenge for or place. For instance, reviewing tips for
business. Time pressures on staff mean an effective presenting en route to a sales
ever-decreasing window of opportunity for pitch must be short enough to engage the
formal training, and mobile learning can learner effectively.
circumvent this by allowing staff to use
periods of downtime to learn. For instance, As a part of Ufi’s pilot approach to mobile
an employee on the way to a meeting may learning, we investigated the use of a
the learner to pause and reflect, was also
have a ten-minute window to catch-up on video asset featuring Dawn French and
well received.
learning in what is otherwise wasted time. John Cleese providing interview tips for
job seekers via a video-enabled iPod. The
What are the design considerations
The growing demand for mobile learning
pilot was developed with Kineo, a rapid
for mobile learning
represents a massive opportunity for
? e-learning specialist.
businesses wanting to compete effectively
Given the devices available to access
in the 21st century. The increasing mobility
mobile learning, organisations need to As a part of the process, question screens
of staff and the greater need for location
think carefully about the format of training with voiceover were added to the original
specific information are but a few of the
materials for these devices. video, asking the learner to pause and
challenges that businesses need
consider the answers to questions about
to overcome.
For organisations that want learning to interview techniques. Also included
support the performance of staff, mobile were some exercises on how to sit in an
Given these challenges, learning and
learning is best provided in the form of interview, including the importance of eye
development professionals will need to
text and sms services on a mobile phone. contact and responding well to questions.
carefully consider the design and content
For instance, if a field engineer needs to The video asset and new screens were
of their preferred choice of mobile
get step-by-step guidance on a particular designed to be mutually reinforcing.
learning in order to appropriately target
procedure – this can be particularly effective
their learners.
for rarely used or complex procedures that The results of the pilot were clear.
are unlikely to be memorised. Portable to different devices, the video of
interview techniques was well received as
Kirstie Donnelly is Director of Products
Stand-alone mobile learning, such as that a short five to six minute clip – perfect for
and Marketing at Ufi, the organisation
offered by many universities for particular somebody on their way to an interview.
behind learndirect and UK online centres
– a unique government-backed network
courses, makes iPhones, iPods and MP3 The ‘interactivity’ of the video deployed
supporting e-learning and e-services.
players a more obvious choice. They allow to an iPod or MP3 player through well
For more information contact
0114 291 5000 or visit www.ufi.com
the user to engage with content on a scripted reflective questions, encouraging
Learning Magazine
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