The Mobile Learning Edge - Tools and Technologies for Developing Your Teams

The Mobile Learning Edge is an excellent resource for business leaders and managers who are interested in utilizing mobile technologies and creating mobile learning content to engage and motivate their on-the-go employees. An excerpt from this book, outlining mobile collaboration and community issues and strategies, has been provided by the publisher for your further evaluation.

December 10, 2010 - Because the workforce has -- and continues to -- become more mobile and unfettered by technology, education and "workplace" learning need to become more mobile and adapt to mobile learners' new unique needs and expectations. That's the premise of Dr. Gary Woodill's book, which outlines strategies for training these "new nomads" (employees on the move) and keeping them connected to the information that they need to stay productive.

The book does a great job of describing e-learning or mobile learning in both a business context and within the history of mobile computing in general. In addition to a broad overview of mobile technologies now accessible to all employees, The Mobile Learning Edge offers business leaders and managers strategies, models, and exemplary case studies for educating employees on the go. And, as one would expect from someone with a doctorate in education, the book is ripe with references to research studies.

I found the book an enjoyable and easy read, but felt that sometimes its focus was not specific enough. A Nike case study, for example, described the increased sales success of retail sales associates who were given iPod touches on the floor -- less an example of mobile learning (or training), perhaps, than simply the benefits of instant product information that mobile technology provides.

Possibly the strongest part of the book is chapter 3, which outlines "Seven Principles for Employee Training" -- or how employees learn best. Some of these principles (e.g., "Principle 2: Employees learn from solving problems that matter to them") may seem common sense, but together they describe what a good mobile learning program for adults needs to consider. There are even sections on developing mobile applications for enterprise learning, which briefly describes the mobile learning design process, user interface design, and testing phase.

Overall, if you're interested in managing or implementing a mobile learning offering -- as most organizations should -- you'll likely find The Mobile Edge a great foundation.

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.