“The easiest way to answer this question would be to say Yes, after all the iPad as well as any other tablet, are mobile devices and mLearning is mostly about mobile devices. So why not, right?

However I think this would be a myopic way of looking at the most exciting computing era in history, mobile, and would therefore set the bar way too low, make us a little too comfortable and hinder innovation.”

I could not agree more. By accepting elearning on iPads is the same as mlearning we’re definitely setting the bar too low. We could do much better by exploiting the potential of one of the most disruptive technologies of modern times – mobile. Clark Quinn responded to R J’s question with a firm ‘NO’ in his post The Tablet Proposition and explained what works best when. He says

“If your mobile solution isn’t doing something unique because of where (or when) you are, if it’s not doing something unique to the context, it’s not mlearning.  Using a tablet like a laptop is not mlearning. If you’re using it to solve problems in your location, to access information  you need here and now, it’s mobile, whether pocketable or not.  That’s what mlearning is, and it’s mostly about performance support, or contextualized learning augmentation, it’s not about just info access in convenience.”

Tablet learning is not quite the same as mlearning and I’ve written earlier about why it is unique and different from both eLearning and mlearning. My main argument – the context in which the two devices are used and the purpose for which the learning is being done makes all the difference. Just to illustrate my point – Which device is most suitable to deliver learning to this person in the picture below?

“Image courtesy of Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net”

I bet you are thinking mobile phones and not tablets. But it’s the key driver of mLearning In a recent ASTD webinar on Mobile Learning it was noted that it’s the iPad that’s really got mlearning kick started in the workplace. From our recent discussions with clients we find more and more clients wanting to put elearning on iPads – and of course referring to that as mlearning. For right or wrong reasons tablet learning is the most common starting point of mlearning in the workplace. It’s acting as a bridge between elearning and mlearning – one that’s driving the move from elearning to mlearning. So while technically it may not be mlearning it is indeed helping mlearning adoption. Interestingly it straddles two domains elearning and mlearning and as a consequence is also one of the key drivers of HTML5 in elearning. Many clients now wish to create their elearning in HTML5 just because they may want to deliver it on iPads as well (apart from delivering it on normal desktops and laptops). Unfortunately elearning done with HTML5 today is like a step backward from the high level of interactivity and engagement that Flash based elearning offers. In my opinion if you’re creating elearning primarily for desktops it would be best to use Flash. HTML5 is surely the future, but it does not deliver the same level of user experience at an affordable price just yet. Better tablet learning As a learning consultant, for the sake of ease of communication and because I know tablet learning is driving the adoption of mLearning, I’m willing to speak the clients’ language to call tablet learning mlearning. However, it must be done well. In the next post I’ll look at how to make the most of elearning (or mlearning) on iPads.

The post Some Thoughts On Tablet Learning (aka Elearning On iPads) first appeared on The Upside Learning Blog.

I am the fence sitter, I’ll be the first to admit that Apple doesn’t just make a product, it creates a user experience and there is much to learn from Jobs and company. On the other hand, Apple’s business practices aren’t the ones I find inspiring. So given that I’m not a lover or baiter of Apple, I’m trying to take an objective view of what the iPad might be able to do for workplace learning. Some or all of these may seem evident, it remains to be seen how successful the iPad will be, and how it will actually end up being used in the workplace.

I see 7 ways in which the iPad will (or should I say may) be used in workplace learning. I considered several other ways too, including augmented reality applications, but the lack of a camera puts a damper on a lot of cool learning possibilities. You’ll also notice that these are mostly extensions of what personal computers and phones do today, functions that a tablet computer replicates and extends. So while the iPad may be cool, the tablet’s functions are anything but revolutionary.

1. e-Books – There is talk that this will be the killer application for the iPad and will position it to take on the Kindle and the Nook. Makes sense, an eBook reader of this size will appeal to workplace users. Electronic performance support aides like manuals, user guides, etc. will make for easy browsing and reference on a tablet device like the iPad.

2. Multimedia Presentations – Conventional elearning courseware is well suited to rendering on a device the size of the iPad. The touch interface will enhance the quality of existing interactions. It will also let elearning designers have a wider interaction palette to design with; newer forms of interaction are sure to result.

3. Games – the iPhone has shown great potential as a handheld game platform, the same would apply to the iPad. The large screen and touch interface lends itself well for the deployment of learning games. The support for WiFi also makes for developing multiplayer learning games that can be used in groups or individually on the same network. These types of games may be effective especially when used for soft skills.

4. Simulations – the hardware that works for games work just as effectively for simulations. As is, the lines between games and simulation are constantly blurring. Again here, the idea that we could develop a multiplayer simulation that demands collaboration from learners to achieve simulation outcomes; encouraging teamwork and emulating the real world where collaboration is necessary for success.

5. High Def Video Libraries – High definition video is already a big part of our lives – YouTube, Vimeo and others support HD, having a handheld device the size of an iPad that’s capable of rendering HD video is special indeed. Workplaces can create their own HD video libraries. Video is effective for learning; customized high definition, anytime video will have a greater idea.

6. Shared Collaborative Environments – Synchronous collaborative environments that you can carry around you should be possible with a device like the iPad. The lack of a camera prevents synchronous video, but that’s a niggle. What might appeal the most is features like a shared whiteboard or note taking spaces. The ability to draw directly with your fingers versus a stylus or mouse is a definite plus for the iPad.

7. Psychomotor Skills – the touch interface capabilities of the iPad are perfectly suited to teaching certain types of psychomotor skills. I can imagine applications for tablet devices that are essentially simulations for teaching graphic design, or technical drawing, or for exploring complex technologies.

While this may seem a bit far-fetched, I’d think that a failure of my ability to articulate my thoughts about the use of the iPad for psychomotor skills.

Now to bash Apple a little, I had some questions that I couldn’t quite find answers to. Knowing the answers might have helped me expand on a list of possible uses in workplace learning.

1. How do you save and transfer documents to the iPad? Can you?
2. Does it support a variety of email systems? Lotus or MS Exchange?
3. Does it support a media service other than iTunes?
4. Does it support multitasking? Can I run more than one program?
5. Will it ever allow the use of Flash? While there’s been a lot of talk both ways, I’d still like it, lots of content out there is in Flash.

The post Seven Ways to Use the iPad for Workplace Learning first appeared on The Upside Learning Blog.