Is e-Learning Ready to Go Mobile?
Everywhere you look, people are using their smart phones, iPads, and tablets to access the Web. With the proliferation of such devices, it's only natural to start tinkering with the idea of creating mobile courseware. However, as with any technological shift, it's important to fully consider what you want to accomplish.
The first consideration involves which mobile devices learners will be using to access the courseware. For example, tablets come in many flavors such as iPad and Android; some support Flash while others don't; and the screen sizes vary from a few inches across to 10 inches or more. Are you prepared to create apps for each mobile platform or will you target a specific one?
Next, consider surveying trainees to see if mobile learning is as logical as you think. While people are rarely far from their devices, they may still prefer to access courses on a computer or laptop due to larger screen sizes, better keyboards, and other factors.
Another consideration involves connectivity with the LMS. Does the LMS support connections to mobile devices? Will you be able to track mobile users?
Finally, consider the technology needed to build mobile courses. Will you pick a platform such as the Apple iPad and create mobile learning just for the iPad? Will you use HTML 5 for Web apps? Will you use Adobe AIR?
Mobile devices are here to stay, and they're capable of delivering e-learning content. If you're ready to reach learners on mobile devices, you will have some challenges ahead. Consider developing mobile apps that support your existing Web-based e-learning rather than attempting to build a course that is compatible with the Web and all mobile devices.
About K Alliance:
K Alliance is a leading provider of e-learning for business, with hundreds of titles available covering IT certifications, IT topics, business soft skills, and desktop training. With a variety of convenient formats offered, including training network deployable CDs and DVDs and online classes, K Alliance specializes in delivering comprehensive online corporate e-learning solutions.
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