iPods and cellphones are changing the face of training
Workers are a mobile bunch. They should have access to training and information “on the go” — whenever they want, wherever they are.
The trend towards a mobile workforce will only continue with the rapid increase in the use of mobile technology such as iPods, cellphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), web pads and palmtop computers in the workplace and at home.
As a result, trainers must design and develop training materials for delivery on mobile technologies. The learning materials will need to be in small chunks, which allows for delivery on the small screens of mobile devices.
At the same time, the role of the trainer will be shifted from a deliverer of training materials to a facilitator of training — using techniques such as tutoring, coaching and mentoring. Since the training will not be delivered in a classroom environment and trainees can learn from anywhere and anytime, the trainer must also be available at anytime to answer trainees’ questions.
Due to the flexibility of mobile technology, employees can train while on the job — they do not have to leave the workplace to learn. Learning happens in the context in which it is needed and is relevant to the individual’s job. As a result, the learning is more authentic and the worker can apply what is learned right away.
With the use of mobile technology in training, there will be a shift away from taking training courses in case they are needed on the job to taking courses, or parts of courses, as needed in the workplace, while on the job.
For example, if a trainee has to learn a specific procedure, rather than sending the trainee off-site to learn the procedure in a classroom, the trainee can access the training materials when required using a mobile device.
With the use of wireless technology, mobile devices do not have to be hard-wired to connect to networks and access information. Mobile devices allow workers to take the devices to any location to access information or training materials. This flexibility is critical for just-in-time training, especially for workers on the move.
The cost of mobile devices is less than desktop computers. And wireless mobile technology is more economical since it does not require organizations to build the infrastructure to hard-wire buildings and remote areas to reach workers in different locations.
The wireless connectivity of mobile devices also allows workers to interact with each other anywhere, anytime to share information and expertise and to collaborate on projects. Many workers already have mobile devices they use on the job and these same devices can also be used for training.
The use of mobile technology will allow organizations to bridge the training divide between workers who have access to training and those who do not because of the inconvenience of going to another location for training.
Intelligent software agents, which behave like an expert trainer or tutor, should be built into mobile technology so most of the work is done behind the scenes in the server and on the mobile technology.
This minimizes both the input from the learner and the amount of information presented on the display of the mobile device. Individual trainees will only see information related to them rather than having everyone receive the same training materials.
Because mobile devices have multimedia capability, training courses should use multimedia materials to make it more stimulating and to cater to different learning styles. Training materials should be designed and delivered using audio, text, graphics, pictures, simulations and videos.
As younger workers, who are already comfortable using iPods, cellphones and PDAs, enter the workforce, they will demand their training and interaction with colleagues be done using these kinds of devices. As a result, organizations will have no choice but to deliver training on mobile technology.
Mohamed Ally is a professor at the Centre for Distance Education at Athabasca University in Athabasca, Alta., and a board member of the Canadian Society for Training and Development.
The trend towards a mobile workforce will only continue with the rapid increase in the use of mobile technology such as iPods, cellphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), web pads and palmtop computers in the workplace and at home.
As a result, trainers must design and develop training materials for delivery on mobile technologies. The learning materials will need to be in small chunks, which allows for delivery on the small screens of mobile devices.
At the same time, the role of the trainer will be shifted from a deliverer of training materials to a facilitator of training — using techniques such as tutoring, coaching and mentoring. Since the training will not be delivered in a classroom environment and trainees can learn from anywhere and anytime, the trainer must also be available at anytime to answer trainees’ questions.
Due to the flexibility of mobile technology, employees can train while on the job — they do not have to leave the workplace to learn. Learning happens in the context in which it is needed and is relevant to the individual’s job. As a result, the learning is more authentic and the worker can apply what is learned right away.
With the use of mobile technology in training, there will be a shift away from taking training courses in case they are needed on the job to taking courses, or parts of courses, as needed in the workplace, while on the job.
For example, if a trainee has to learn a specific procedure, rather than sending the trainee off-site to learn the procedure in a classroom, the trainee can access the training materials when required using a mobile device.
With the use of wireless technology, mobile devices do not have to be hard-wired to connect to networks and access information. Mobile devices allow workers to take the devices to any location to access information or training materials. This flexibility is critical for just-in-time training, especially for workers on the move.
The cost of mobile devices is less than desktop computers. And wireless mobile technology is more economical since it does not require organizations to build the infrastructure to hard-wire buildings and remote areas to reach workers in different locations.
The wireless connectivity of mobile devices also allows workers to interact with each other anywhere, anytime to share information and expertise and to collaborate on projects. Many workers already have mobile devices they use on the job and these same devices can also be used for training.
The use of mobile technology will allow organizations to bridge the training divide between workers who have access to training and those who do not because of the inconvenience of going to another location for training.
Intelligent software agents, which behave like an expert trainer or tutor, should be built into mobile technology so most of the work is done behind the scenes in the server and on the mobile technology.
This minimizes both the input from the learner and the amount of information presented on the display of the mobile device. Individual trainees will only see information related to them rather than having everyone receive the same training materials.
Because mobile devices have multimedia capability, training courses should use multimedia materials to make it more stimulating and to cater to different learning styles. Training materials should be designed and delivered using audio, text, graphics, pictures, simulations and videos.
As younger workers, who are already comfortable using iPods, cellphones and PDAs, enter the workforce, they will demand their training and interaction with colleagues be done using these kinds of devices. As a result, organizations will have no choice but to deliver training on mobile technology.
Mohamed Ally is a professor at the Centre for Distance Education at Athabasca University in Athabasca, Alta., and a board member of the Canadian Society for Training and Development.
