strategies for mobile elearning

@dtauer :: @easelsolutions :: @astdtcc

Strategies for Mobile eLearningDustin Tauer :: Easel Solution


Dustin Tauer

Developer (11 years)Instructor (7 years)

Web :: Mobile :: eLearning


Easel SolutionsTraining

• Design, Web, Mobile, eLearning, Strategy, Social, etc.

Customized TrainingConsultingAdobe Connect

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Slides :: Files :: Resourceshttp://blog.easelsolutions.com


mLearningeLearning gone mobile


The ProblemUsers want eLearning on a

mobile device


The Real ProblemUsers want eLearning on a mobile device that

does not support Flash


Solution OnePublish content targeting a specific device or platform


Solution TwoPublish content that works everywhere (no Flash)


Let’s talk about Flash


11/09/2011: Adobe said,“We will no longer continue to develop

Flash Player in the browser to

work with new mobile devices”


What it meansAdobe is no longer developing new versions of the Flash Player for

mobile web browsers


What the media heardAdobe is giving up on mobile

devices and the Flash Player is

dead. Anyone still using Flash is

stupid.


Conclusion?Adobe stopped developing plugins

for a medium nobody is using.


Conclusion?Nothing is changing


Flash and eLearningeLearning is heavily reliant on

Flash.


Flash and

mLearningDo we have to learn new tools?Abandon our existing courses?

No!No!


mLearningCreate content that fits the user.Don’t ask the users to fit the content.


HTML5The elephant in the room


“Just build it in HTML5”

( Sigh )


HTML5 does not equal MobileHTML5 is a set of features added to HTML that give websites additional/consistent functionality.

HTML5 = HTML + CSS + JavaScript


HTML5 does not equal MobileMobile browser evolve faster than desktop browser and support more

HTML5 features. It’s still a work in progress.


Mobile is hardSo is devising an mLearning strategy. That’s why you are here.


Do you need mLearning?Ask yourself a few easy questions.


Who’s getting mobile devices?

NEED MOBILE LEARNINGDON’T NEED MOBILE LEARNING

General Workforce• Sales• Marketing• Customer Service• Doctors• Engineers

Senior Executives Anyone

IT Application Developers


How do they use their devices?

NEED MOBILE LEARNINGDON’T NEED MOBILE LEARNING

Showing Product Demos• Videos• Presentations

Consumption• Job Aids• Process Training• Product/Sales Guides

Email Virtual

Training/Conferencing• Adobe Connect


Designing mLearningGraphical, not instructional


Design Considerations for Mobile UI

Design for immediate accessFingers, not mice

• No roll-overs• Careful with “try-me” courses

Touch feedback is key• Down-states

Keep gestures smart and simple• Or just stick to the tap (click)

Design for real hand sizes


Screens Sizes


Fingers

44px


There’s a hand behind every good finger


TabletsSame as laptops as long as you

recognize the design considerations of touch-input


Developing mLearningChoose your own adventure

Web :: Mobile App :: Hybrid


WebDeployed on a website or in an LMS

• Just like you are doing todayPublished HTML/CSS/JavaScript

• “HTML5” Publishing• No Flash allowed

Offline is possible (With Code)• Google: HTML5 Offline Application

Tools• Adobe Captivate• Articulate Storyline


WebPROS CONS

One course for all• www.site.com/course1

Same workflow LMS tracking is easy Easy to update

• Just replace the content Pause/Resume across

devices

One course for all• One size doesn’t always

fit all Requires and internet

connection• Can you hear me now?

Many LMS interface are not mobile friendly

Inconsistent playback


DemoWeb-based Course


Mobile ApplicationOffline

• Downloaded and installed on device

Tools• PhoneGap: Packages HTML/CSS/JavaScript

as native mobile applications http://build.phonegap.com/


Mobile ApplicationPROS CONS

Offline• No Internet needed

Better performance Sell course in an app

store Tailor content to fit the

device Performance

Need to publish for each device

LMS integration can be tricky

More steps in the process

$$$ iOS distribution

• Certificate required*


Understanding iOS Certificates

DEVELOPER CERTIFICATE ENTERPRISE CERTIFICATE

$99/year Allows developer or

company to publish apps to App Store• ONLY to App Store

Application listed under certificate-holder’s name

If application is being sold, Apple gets 30%

$299/year Intended for companies

who create proprietary, in-house iOS apps for internal deployment within the company only.

Dun & Bradstreet (D-U-N-S) number is required

Need certificate before you start!


DemoMobile App


Hybrid ApplicationDownload a “shell” or “viewer”

application to play the output from an eLearning development tool• Typically free and not branded

Tools• Articulate Storyline

Articulate Mobile Player• Adobe Presenter (plugin for PowerPoint)

Adobe Presenter Mobile


Hybrid ApplicationPROS CONS

Online & Offline (most of the time)• Sync with LMS

Consistent Playback Bonus Features

• Libraries of content• Intuitive UI Controls

Proprietary• Tool-specifc

Device Dependent• i.e. iPad only


DemoHybrid App


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