Zurich (CH), August 2010 - A forum of European business leaders has expressed concern that technology and cultural barriers could slow the adoption of mobile and cross-platform learning within their organizations despite the great potential they see for its use. This worry emerged from a roundtable discussion event organized by LINE Communications, the leading provider of learning and communications solutions, on the theme of mobile and multiplatform learning.
While most delegates could see potential uses for M-learning within their organizations, many saw considerable challenges to overcome, including:
Some also pointed to the reluctance of more traditional employees to access learning on a mobile device. However this was countered by the observation from many group members that this situation is changing rapidly as members of the so-called 'Generation Y' spread through the workforce, demanding content that they can access at any time, including on the move.
Others argued that while the present organizational IT infrastructure does tend to make M-learning difficult, the potential business benefits justify the initial investment involved. With mobile access to the internet predicted to pass desktop access worldwide by as soon as 2013, there are strong drivers for adoption acting alongside the generational shift, not least that of competitive advantage. One major global bank was prompted towards M-learning by finding out that its competitors were using it to design and develop vital compliance training, often with a quicker turn-around time.
On behalf of LINE, Ade Derbyshire-Moore, General Manager of LINE Communications Zurich, presented a number of examples of successful mobile learning including:
Ade Derbyshire-Moore said, "Like all technologies, mobile needs to be used appropriately as part of a convergent blended strategy that combines a range of different kinds of learning with communication and performance support. It is not enough to simply repurpose existing eLearning content and methodologies. This, in our experience, is the route to achieving sustainable business benefits."
