At a meeting with a client this week the subject was mobile learning (m-learning), and how (or if) custom developed mobile learning might fit into the organizations learning strategy for its employees.

What is mobile learning?
Just in case your not sure, m-learning is portable and focused learning content (learning objects) delivered via a variety of wireless devices (PDAs, mobile phones etc.). M-learning is a simple and timely way to deploy critical information such as condensed versions of training materials, product updates, audio and video files, job aids, or anything that your employees need to reference on a moments notice to do their jobs more effectively.

M-learning is vital content that is there when your employees need it. And it’s easy to deploy. Mobile content can be downloaded onto mobile devices from your VPN, website, emailed or transmitted using Wi-Fi networks or via Bluetooth directly from one handheld device to another.

How can organizations use mobile learning?
Here’s how leading organizations can use m-learning to instantly share information
with employees, partners and customers around the globe:
-Marketing Campaigns: Reach out to your customers with targeted content
-Training initiatives: Deliver condensed training material to employees around the
globe
-Meeting notes: Keep employees in the loop with the lastest meeting notes
-Sales Force Initiatives: Quickly roll out new sales initiatives across the enterprise
-New Product Releases: Keep your sales force up to date
-Location Free Support: Provide just-in-time support to mobile and remote
employees
-Technical Specifications: Provide easy to search documentation on all of your
products

Is this for us?
Yes. I think you will find a place for mobile learning in your organization. Your people already have the tools (cell phones, PDA’s). These tools represent an opportunity for learning designers to reconceptualize how we package and distribute learning objects to our learners.

I will follow up in future posts with more thoughts on how to design mobile learning content.

Your thoughts?