mobile learning


Intersecting points


E.learning age celebrates its 10th anniversary with a series of articles exploring the major e-learning trends over the last decade. This month Archana Venkatraman puts mobile learning under the spotlight


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he digital revolution is a result of several factors coming together. Twitter wouldn’t have been so enticing if mobile phones didn’t facilitate tweeting real-time. YouTube and the social networks wouldn’t have been so popular if they did not have user-generated


content uploaded every minute. And web 2.0 wouldn’t have been so engaging if people weren’t able to communicate so effortlessly from any place at any time. Mobile evolution has played a dominant role in the digital revolution. As manufacturers of mobile devices got technology out of the way and made these devices attractive, user-friendly and engaging, e-learning providers set their eyes firmly on m-learning opportunities. For instance, Epic has its own mobile learning division. It develops apps for the likes of NHS, Harper Collins and Wiley Publishing and has a mobile authoring tool that is being used by Elsevier. According to Martin Addison, managing director of Video Arts, which has launched a suite of m-learning modules, the ubiquity of handheld devices presents a great opportunity to deliver performance support and learning content to employees whenever, and wherever, it’s needed. Epic’s study of the mobile business unit has ascertained 20 advantages. These include some straightforward factors such as convenience, flexibility, learner control, heightened engagement, relevance, improved social learning,


cost-effective solutions and an easily trackable learning module. But Naomi Norman, director of e-learning at Epic, insists there are more. Mobile learning puts spare moments to good use. “It can happen during ‘dead time’, while travelling or waiting for a meeting to start.” The company says that m-learning fits many different learning styles: reading (text and graphics), video, animation, working through decision trees, listening to podcasts, contributing to discussion (forums or SMS), researching on the internet, choosing the correct answer (text or photograph), rating skills etc. “A learner using their own device is already familiar with the technology, which eliminates technological barriers to accessing learning,” adds Norman. Experts say m-learning can be very effective for induction as it allows learning content to be contextualised to the exact spot in the workplace it makes reference too. It also, as Addison says, “works brilliantly for bite-sized, just-in-time learning.” Another use is language learning. Learnosity has developed a tool that aims to fit both subject and audience and is used via mobile phone. Students phone the system, enter their PIN, and answer questions. Completed sessions are available for the teachers to review. Its founder, Gavin Cooney, says: “Mobile devices are apt for language learning. They encourage reflection and improve learner confidence as learners can practice the language within their comfort zones.” And clearly others in e-learning agree. Learnosity won a gold award for best use of


e.learning age june 2011


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