1. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
CETS | August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions:
Ensuring Solution Meets
Learning Need
1
© 2012 Innovative Learning Group
Who is
Innovative Learning Group?
• Experts in training and
performance support
• Owner and CEO Lisa Toenniges, CPT
• Certified Women’s Business
Enterprise
• Located in Royal Oak, Michigan
2
Contents © 2012 by Innovative Learning Group, Inc. – All rights reserved 1

2. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
Introduction
• Session goal
Provide easy-to-use criteria for making
mobile learning decisions
• Session overview
– How to determine if mobile is the
best solution for a given learning
need
– Factors to consider in developing
a mobile solution
3
Finding the Right Delivery Method
Case Study 1: Farm Equipment Reference
• Learners: New sales reps for agricultural
chemicals company
• Learning Needs:
– Recognize and name various types of
farm equipment
– For each type, know when, how, and for
what crop it’s used
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Contents © 2012 by Innovative Learning Group, Inc. – All rights reserved 2

3. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
Finding
the Right
Delivery
Method
Adapted from: Brinkerhoff, Robert O., and Apking, Anne M. High-Impact Learning:
Strategies for Leveraging Business Results from Training, New Perspectives in
Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change. Cambridge: Perseus, 2001.
5
Case Study 1:
Finding
Farm Equipment
Reference
the Right
Learners: New sales
Delivery
reps for agricultural
chemicals company
Method
Learning Needs:
• Recognize and
name various
types of farm
equipment
• For each type,
know when, how,
and for what crop
it’s used
6
Contents © 2012 by Innovative Learning Group, Inc. – All rights reserved 3

4. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
ACTIVITY Case Study 2: Quality System Auditing
• Learners: Auditors within medical device
company who audit internal compliance
Which Delivery to quality regulations
Method(s) • Learning Needs:
– Apply best practices in conducting
to Use audits
– Use company auditing tools and
templates
– Know where to find external
resources for regulatory requirements
7
Delivery Methods with Mobile Possibilities
• Formal Learning • Informal Learning
– Self-paced training – Audio or video presentations
– Virtual instructor-led – Performance support
– Practice assignments materials
– Reference information
– Communities of practice and
collaboration spaces
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5. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
How Mobile Delivery Is Different
Content
Traditional Learning Mobile Learning
• Good for providing • Good for providing
foundational needed information at
knowledge point of impact
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How Mobile Delivery Is Different
Knowledge
Transfer
Traditional Learning Mobile Learning
• Presentation, • Multiple learning
demonstration, practice, opportunities spaced
and feedback combined over time
into one learning period
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6. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
How Mobile Delivery Is Different
Interaction
and
Feedback
Traditional Learning Mobile Learning
• Physical and temporal • Interaction with, feedback
proximity to human from learner’s environment
instructor, fellow students • Computation, data
• Live interaction, immediate capturing, communication
feedback capabilities
11
How Mobile Delivery Is Different
Availability
Traditional Learning Mobile Learning
• Typically not • Always available to provide
available on the job performance support on
the job
12
Contents © 2012 by Innovative Learning Group, Inc. – All rights reserved 6

7. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
Mobile Learning and
Gilbert’s Behavior Engineering Model
Thomas F. Gilbert, 1978.
13
Mobile Learning and Augmentation
Clark Quinn, Designing mLearning, 2011, and
Gary Woodill, The Mobile Learning Edge, 2011.
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8. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
Assessing Learning Need for Mobile Delivery
• Learning need:
– Tends toward skill level and/or
requires learning reinforcement over
time
– May apply to a particular work context
• Learning content:
– Is used as performance support
– Can be provided in small chunks
– May include computational tasks
– May benefit from communication with
others
• Learners are often or always
mobile
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Assessing Learning Need for Mobile Delivery
Case Study 1: Farm Equipment Reference
• Learners: New sales reps for agricultural
chemicals company
– Most do not have agricultural background
– Usually on the road, calling on farmers
– Carry smartphones or tablets
• Learning Needs:
– Recognize and name various types of farm
equipment
– For each type, understand when, how,
and for what crop it’s used
16
Contents © 2012 by Innovative Learning Group, Inc. – All rights reserved 8

9. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
Assessing Learning Need for Mobile Delivery
• Learning need:
– Tends toward skill level and/or Case Study 1:
requires learning reinforcement over Farm Equipment Reference
time
Learners: New sales reps for
– May apply to a particular work context
agricultural chemicals company
• Learning content: • Most do not have agricultural
– Is used as performance support background
– Can be provided in small chunks • Usually on the road, calling on
farmers
– May include computational tasks
• Carry smartphones or tablets
– May benefit from communication with
others Learning Needs:
• Learners are often or always • Recognize and name various
types of farm equipment
mobile • For each type, know when, how,
and for what crop it’s used
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Mobile Solution Decision Tree
1. Is the learning need skill-
2. Do learners need the
or performance-based
Yes learning content on the job
(rather than foundational or
as performance support?
conceptual)?
No No Yes
3. Does the learning need Yes
4. Can the learning content be
include follow-up
Yes provided in small, discrete,
reinforcement of formal
easily digestible chunks?
training over time?
No No
Formal training is Other solutions, such as job shadowing, coaching,
probably sufficient. or reference manuals may work better.
18
Mobile Learning Decision Tree | © 2011 Innovative Learning Group, Inc.
Contents © 2012 by Innovative Learning Group, Inc. – All rights reserved 9

10. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
Mobile Solution Decision Tree, cont.
5. Are computational or other
Yes computer-friendly tasks part Yes
of the learning content?
No
6. Is any type of communication
required or desirable for the Yes
learning content?
No
8. Are the learners This need is
7. Is the learning need relevant mobile, either an excellent
within or outside Yes
to a particular context Yes fit for a mobile
(location or situation)? the workplace? solution!
No No
A mobile solution may not be optimal for This need does not call for a mobile solution;
this need, but it should be considered if look at other informal learning solutions.
the learners are mobile.
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Mobile Learning Decision Tree | © 2011 Innovative Learning Group, Inc.
Mobile Solution Decision Tree
1. Is the learning need skill-
2. Do learners need the
or performance-based
Yes learning content on the job
(rather than foundational or
as performance support?
conceptual)?
No No Yes
3. Does the learning need Yes
4. Can the learning content be
include follow-up
Yes provided in small, discrete,
reinforcement of formal
easily digestible chunks?
training over time?
No No
Formal training is Other solutions, such as job shadowing, coaching,
probably sufficient. or reference manuals may work better.
Example A: Managers need to become aware of the company’s new policy
on diversity in hiring, which will be implemented by the HR department.
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Mobile Learning Decision Tree | © 2011 Innovative Learning Group, Inc.
Contents © 2012 by Innovative Learning Group, Inc. – All rights reserved 10

11. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
Mobile Solution Decision Tree
1. Is the learning need skill-
2. Do learners need the
or performance-based
Yes learning content on the job
(rather than foundational or
as performance support?
conceptual)?
No No Yes
3. Does the learning need Yes
4. Can the learning content be
include follow-up
Yes provided in small, discrete,
reinforcement of formal
easily digestible chunks?
training over time?
No No
Formal training is Other solutions, such as job shadowing, coaching,
probably sufficient. or reference manuals may work better.
Example B: Field repair personnel for an electric utility must learn how to
install new transformers on electric poles.
21
Mobile Learning Decision Tree | © 2011 Innovative Learning Group, Inc.
Mobile Solution Decision Tree
1. Is the learning need skill-
2. Do learners need the
or performance-based
Yes learning content on the job
(rather than foundational or
as performance support?
conceptual)?
No No Yes
3. Does the learning need Yes
4. Can the learning content be
include follow-up
Yes provided in small, discrete,
reinforcement of formal
easily digestible chunks?
training over time?
No No
Formal training is Other solutions, such as job shadowing, coaching,
probably sufficient. or reference manuals may work better.
Example C: Call center reps must be able to respond to specific types of
customer complaints and connect the caller to the correct resource for
22
further assistance.
Mobile Learning Decision Tree | © 2011 Innovative Learning Group, Inc.
Contents © 2012 by Innovative Learning Group, Inc. – All rights reserved 11

12. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
Mobile Solution Decision Tree, cont.
5. Are computational or other
Yes computer-friendly tasks part Yes
of the learning content?
No
6. Is any type of communication
required or desirable for the Yes
learning content?
No
8. Are the learners This need is
7. Is the learning need relevant mobile, either an excellent
within or outside Yes
to a particular context Yes fit for a mobile
(location or situation)? the workplace? solution!
No No
A mobile solution may not be optimal for This need does not call for a mobile solution;
this need, but it should be considered if look at other informal learning solutions.
the learners are mobile.
Example C: Call center reps must be able to respond to specific types of
customer complaints and connect the caller to the correct resource for
23
further assistance.
Mobile Learning Decision Tree | © 2011 Innovative Learning Group, Inc.
Mobile Solution Decision Tree
1. Is the learning need skill-
2. Do learners need the
or performance-based
Yes learning content on the job
(rather than foundational or
as performance support?
conceptual)?
No No Yes
3. Does the learning need Yes
4. Can the learning content be
include follow-up
Yes provided in small, discrete,
reinforcement of formal
easily digestible chunks?
training over time?
No No
Formal training is Other solutions, such as job shadowing, coaching,
probably sufficient. or reference manuals may work better.
Example D: Executives must understand company’s new strategic direction,
as presented by CEO in a 15-min. video, and how to apply it in their business
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units according to a set of policy statements.
Mobile Learning Decision Tree | © 2011 Innovative Learning Group, Inc.
Contents © 2012 by Innovative Learning Group, Inc. – All rights reserved 12

13. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
Mobile Solution Decision Tree, cont.
5. Are computational or other
Yes computer-friendly tasks part Yes
of the learning content?
No
6. Is any type of communication
required or desirable for the Yes
learning content?
No
8. Are the learners This need is
7. Is the learning need relevant mobile, either an excellent
within or outside Yes
to a particular context Yes fit for a mobile
(location or situation)? the workplace? solution!
No No
A mobile solution may not be optimal for This need does not call for a mobile solution;
this need, but it should be considered if look at other informal learning solutions.
the learners are mobile.
Example D: Executives must understand company’s new strategic direction,
as presented by CEO in a 15-min. video, and how to apply it in their business
25
units according to a set of policy statements.
Mobile Learning Decision Tree | © 2011 Innovative Learning Group, Inc.
Case Study 2: Quality System Auditing
ACTIVITY • Learners: Auditors within medical device
company who audit internal compliance to
quality regulations
Is a Mobile – Conduct audits at geographically
dispersed sites
Solution Right for – Carry laptops or tablets
– Must confer with their remote managers
This Need and colleagues during audits
• Learning Needs:
– Apply best practices in conducting audits
– Use company auditing tools and templates
– Know where to find external resources for
regulatory requirements
26
Contents © 2012 by Innovative Learning Group, Inc. – All rights reserved 13

14. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
Mobile Is the Solution —
Now What?
• Factors to consider in developing a
mobile solution
– Mobile platforms
– Mobile web sites vs. mobile apps
– Buy vs. build
– Authoring tools
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Delivery Platform
Properties
• Operating system (iOS, Android,
Windows Phone, BlackBerry OS,
other)
• Form factor (tablet, phone,
media player, other)
• Screen size
• Input types (touch screen, voice,
keypad, etc.)
• Software installation restrictions
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15. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
Mobile Web Sites A D VA N TA G E S
• Support for dynamic content –
updates in real time
• Same content accessible on a
variety of devices
• Content customized to smaller
screens (compared to desktop
versions)
• Leverage existing
development and production
processes and tools
• Lower development cost
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Mobile Apps A D VA N TA G E S
• Don’t need an Internet connection
all the time
• Use native UI for fast graphics,
video, and content
• Can take advantage of unique
device features/functions
• Leverage app stores for content
distribution
But… higher development cost
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Contents © 2012 by Innovative Learning Group, Inc. – All rights reserved 15

16. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
Buy or Build?
Consider:
• Cost
• Availability of existing content
• Capability to customize
• Compatibility with your
infrastructure
• Frequency of change
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Which Authoring Tool?
Some criteria for choosing tools:
• Target platforms (operating system, form factor, software
installation restrictions)
• Need to support multiple platforms
• Web site or app
• Capability and complexity
• Type of content
• Learning standards supported
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17. CETS 2012 August 16, 2012
Mobile Decisions: Ensuring Solution Meets Learning Need
mLearning Decision Maker App
• It’s free and available for
Android and iOS
• Go to:
www.innovativelg.com/content/apps.aspx
Or
Or search for “mLearning Decision Maker”
in the app stores
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Contact Information
Susan Fisher
Susan Fisher: 248.544.1568 x205,
susan.fisher@innovativeLG.com
@SusanBFisher
Innovative Learning Group: www.innovativeLG.com
@innovativeLG
Mobile Line: www.innovativeLG.com/mobileline
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