Mobile Technologies and LearningMobile Technologies and Learning(Networking Session)(Networking Session)Pam Boiros, VP Product Management, Books24x7Pam Boiros, VP Product Management, Books24x7

Learning: Re-Imagined

AgendaAgenda• Introductions:

• Your Name/Role/Organization• One word that comes to mind when you think about “mobile learning”.

• SkillSoft Update:

• Mobile market trends• Mobility vs./and Portability • SkillSoft Strategy

• Discussion:• Are you currently incorporating mobile technology into your learning programs? How? • If not, do you plan to? • Where do you see the most promising application?• Pitfalls, “gotchas”, red flags?

Mobility and Portability Mobility and Portability

Mobile Workers on the Rise Mobile Workers on the Rise

• An increase in the number of mobile workers and an uptake in Smartphone adoption is expected worldwide

– 75% of the U.S. work force will be mobile by year-end 2011– 1 billion workers around the world will be classified as mobile by 2011– Organizations deploying mobile working technologies enjoy a strategic

competitive advantage over companies that have not integrated mobility into their environment

Source: IDC (1/2008)

Mobile devices may be the primary

Internet appliance in some markets

• Converged Mobile Devices (CMDs):• Annual compound growth rate of

54% over next 4 years• 82 million devices by 2011• Drivers: Beyond telephony,

secure link to corporate intranets, access corporate email.

Source: IDC

Mobile Learning NewsMobile Learning News

Chalk acquired by RIM

Cisco WebEx Release iPhone App

Mobile DevicesMobile Devices

Mobile Challenges • Multiple platforms• Shifting standards• Slow networks• Rapid obsolescence• Economics

Mobile ‘Truths’Mobile ‘Truths’• Supplements, but does not replace

traditional e-learning• Component of the corporate

“learning ecosystem”• Appropriate content, appropriate

device, appropriate time• Tracking and reporting is key• Must be simple to use and should

not be device dependent• SkillSoft platforms continue to

evolve to offer increasing mobile capabilities

Mobile is an Extension of the Mobile is an Extension of the eLearning EcosystemeLearning Ecosystem

Online

Offline

Watch or listen to downloadedvideo or MP3

Search a database for urgent snippet

Select from many modes

Take a course or read a chapteron an airplane

Offline CoursesOffline Courses

Offline Chapters and VideosOffline Chapters and Videos

Books24x7 On the Go™Books24x7 On the Go™

Access to personal and corporate bookshelves, bookmarks, and notes

Browse, Search, Read, Download Audio

Web application optimized for web-enabled mobile devices

Mobile Access for Busy Professionals

Mobile: Enhanced VisibilityMobile: Enhanced Visibility

•SkillSoft Strategy:• Continues to be an R&D priority• Mobility is an extension, not replacement• Focus on “In-between” learning• Web/email delivery• Trackability is key

DiscussionDiscussion

• Are you currently incorporating mobile technology into your learning programs? How?• If not, do you plan to? • Where do you see the most promising application?• Pitfalls, “gotchas”, red flags?