Learning to-go please!

As technology has evolved, I realize how quickly I have evolved and changed my own habits. Where I used to be a late adopter of technology –yes I refused to leave Windows Tab Works!! I am finding myself to be an early adopter! Case in point, my “new”, (but actually now consider “old”, since the next generation is about to release.) cell phone. I am a proud owner of the Motorola Android. Of course I had to have the Droid as quickly as possible. My blackberry curve just couldn't browse the web “well enough”. I didn't even bother going into the store, but rather ordered it online and two days later I was completely connected ALL THE TIME!

From text on screen, to audio narration, interactivity and shortened course lengths, e-learning has been constantly evolving. As technology becomes more refined, faster, more complex applications created, a whole new world of learning has been developed in the e-learning space. We come to another crossroads with mobile learning. The ever popular smart phones have revolutionized people’s lives. Can you imagine taking an “e-learning” course on your cell phone? What would it look like? Could it be a traditional course with slides and text? I’m not sure I would really find that very useful or revolutionary…but if you think about it, we really use “e-learning” on a regular basis with the capability of searching the Internet from anywhere. You’re out and you need to know something. In the past we’d make a mental or physical note and try to remember to research it at a more convenient time, when we had the right tools and resources in our possession. Well today, we insist that right NOW is the convenient time. There’s no need to wait, just find it now. We need instant gratification…if you have to wait to learn until you’re in the perfect environment, it’s ineffective.

Consider this example of mobile learning: A few weekends ago, I was out car browsing. After the first dealership I was motivated to check out some other dealerships with cars that I've been intrigued by, but never researched. While sitting in the dealership waiting for the salesperson to return with keys for a test drive, I sat in their waiting area promptly researching the model on my phone, reading facts and quick reviews of the car I was about to test drive. With these facts and thoughts fresh in my mind when the salesperson returned with the keys, I was fully prepared to ask questions and rate the car for myself.

By turning our phones into pocket-sized laptops we are able to provide training to anyone, anywhere, at anytime. I’m anxious to see how technology will further revolutionize e-learning and mobile learning. Until then, I’ll take that knowledge to-go!