Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The Impact of the iPhone on mLearning
Apple's release of the iPhone was one of the most highly anticipated for a new "tech-toy" in quite awhile. After its introduction to the marketplace in January 2007, it became one of the most sought after pieces of technology on the market. Even though the buzz has died and the sales have slowed down, its impact on mobile learning is only now being felt. Developers who have hesitated to commit fully to mLearning are starting to take another look at developing content for mobile devices. The iPhone has made it possible to develop and convert content currently used for web eLearning into mLearning content with minimal modifications because of the mobile Safari browser used on the iPhone. The browser is capable of displaying web pages in the same format on a mobile device as it appears on a PC. Because of the iPhone's popularity, ease of use, and browser capabilities, companies who may not have considered developing content for mobile devices are entering into the mLearning marketplace. Software companies who are starting to hear the ring of the cash register in the distance are now starting to position themselves in a way that will allow them to take advantage of this trend and get their share of the potential revenue. For example, SumTotal announced in a March 11, 2008 press release ("SumTotal Takes Talent Management Innovation Mobile") that the next version of its ToolBook® Instructor software will give users the capability to rapidly develop content for the iPhone. ToolBook® Instructor currently is a software application that lets you author eLearning content, quizzes, and simulations. mLearning in the U.S. is similar to sleeping beauty waiting for her prince to wake her from her slumber with a kiss. I believe she has found him and his name is iPhone.
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3 comments:
Rumor has it that a new generation of iPhone is already in the works. This speculation comes from the decreased availability currently of iPhones in the marketplace. Perhaps the next generation will be even more conducive to mLearning.
It would be great if these applications didn't have to cost so much and were available by more than one service provider. Don't you still have to subscribe to AT&T if you have an iPhone? I have Verizon and I haven't seen anything like that for the high-tech phones that my provider offers. Plus, the cost of having web browser capability as well as the cost of the phone are quite prohibitive for many. I look forward to a day when the cost is lower and the availablity is greater.
Okay, My husband and daughter were getting me my iPhone for Mother's Day. Should I wait? Is the new improved version close to release? There were certain technologies that I tried to avoid... I try not to do text messaging, I don't have a PDA or Blackberry, and I don't own a MP3 player or an iPod. I was finally breaking down and getting with the times which is why I decided to get the iPhone. Right now, I think this technology is still too expensive and with its limited carriers, I don't see it becoming that big in the world of learning but I am willing to give it a try.
Elizabeth
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