Paving the way to (future) success will require a change in the approach the typical enterprise follows in content design, creation and deployment. What works best for “e” delivery (e.g., mostly Flash-based content delivered through a desktop browser) generally does not work for “m” delivery (e.g., shorter media-based content with fewer user/device interactions) although the converse is true if approached the right way where content designed for the mobile device (or even generated USING the mobile device!) can actually playback in the desktop world with little or no modification. When more and more organizations head this route, your vision of a “mobile first” target design approach should indeed become a practical and important reality.

Looking forward to seeing you out in San Diego next month too!

Robert ;>)

In fact, many do not use a desk-top. They use a lap top (which they bring in case they need more power or a larger screen) and a mobile telecommunications devise (i.e. iphone, ipad, cell phone, ipod or mp3 player). The impact of this on learning is that they don’t “learn” something until it is needed and then they will only learn it for a specific purpose. I think this is one reason why mobile technology will have a greater role in learning as the systems become more powerful (I just saw an ad for the 4g system).

I do think mobile will force content to be built in smaller pieces. Mini train-ettes that answer 1 question or descibe 1 process that can be quickly accessed, understood, and implemented by the student.

Good points. And, on my latest trip, I took my (new) iPad instead of my MacBook Pro, and used my iPad every day for the things you mentioned (except e-learning; I was on vacation.). The multitasking upgrade to the iPad OS is scheduled for the end of this summer.

Yes, I’m an Apple-Fangirl, but I’m also a lover of all tools and apps. That includes Adobe/Flash and Google with Adroid OS. That said, as of now, only Apple has come out with a mobile tablet device, and that’s the key, I believe. The tablet device.

e-Learning designed and developed for mobile tablets could replace laptops at least 50% of the time (my guesstimate not based on research nor evidence). That 9.5-inch screen and its user touch features are amazing, and are getting me excited about the future of mobile learning on tablets.

Once HP, Sony, Samsung, HTC, etc., come out with their own tablets (at an affordable price, please!), I believe we will see more learners turning to mobile tablets for learning activities versus their very small, handheld smart phones or their larger laptops.

I’m enjoying the “wars” between the different hardware and software companies, because, in the end, I’m hoping it all will mean wonderful, new learning tools for us as designers and developers, and ultimately for our learners.

Will mobile become the default design? “That depends”. As instructional designers, we’ll still need to fall back on our analysis skills to make that decision. The goal is to meet both the organization’s and the learner’s needs and produce measurable performance outcomes.

@jenisecook
(From my laptop, because I don’t want it to feel lonely.)

Dianne, look here. This quote seems to sum it up for me:”Over the course of the past year, we have seen use of mobile Internet evolve from an occasional activity to being a daily part of people’s lives”. I don’t think a mobile device may be the 1st device for formal learning, but for informal learning… And I’d take an elearning interaction on an iPad before on my laptop, I reckon. Lighter. It may even be that the interaction is ‘closer’, when it’s on your lap and being touched directly rather than mediated by a keyboard?

On a recent trip to Vancouver, BC, a ride on the commuter train was a laboratory of mobile observation.

Mostly young riders sent text messages to their friends on where to meet them “down line” to go shopping. They used a mobile device to communicate the name of the station and how many minutes until they would arrive. They could text about where to eat, then use their mobile device to find a restaurant or public house.

Mobile devices could also save lives, another human interaction.

I recently experienced how the iPad works great for information access after an ILT event, in the role of a performance support tool. As a CPR student/graduate, I was able to view CPR videos on YouTube on the iPad to review my new skills.

Let’s say the ILT CPR instruction has his/her own video. Students can upload it to their mobile devices to use in the case of an emergency… no WiFi hotspot nor data plan needed.

These are minor examples; there are people in various parts of the world who are beginning to do wonderful things with mobile devices. And, I can’t wait to learn more at mLearnCon in San Diego.

I think we’d see more adoption if the cost of the devices and the data plans would become more affordable for daily and general use. And, maybe we will soon.