With the speedy advancement in technology and programming in recent years, mobile devices are acting more and more like a desktop that fits in your pocket. This format is ideal for custom e learning design. A large portion of the population already uses it to communicate, play games, surf the web, along with a variety of other activities. Combine the powers of PDAs and other technology with the right learning audience, format, and programming, and you have a winning solution for education. However, you need the perfect combination to make it all work.
Mobile Device E Learning Design Pros
E learning design for PDAs and other technology adds the ultimate in convenience to educational programs. The student can use time normally lost during a subway commute or get comfortable at home or while sitting in the park. This technology increases the interest in this style of educational medium.
With this style of course, the student can choose the best time that works the best for them. This cuts down on interruptions, laying the platform for increased information retention, which is difficult to achieve in a large setting. Additional help, communication and discussions, email, instant messaging, feedback, and hints improve the individual's understanding of the concepts for the best education possible.
Mobile Device Custom E Learning Cons
The various platforms used between desktops and mobile devices quickly become its most significant downfall. For traditional computers, the design needs to work with all of the major web browsers. Each PDA and mobile system has its own unique programming as well. This is manageable if everyone uses the same system, but if this isn't the case, developing a separate program for each one can be extremely expensive and time consuming.
Depending on the style, each person wanting to participate in the course will need to install a special application or plug-in in order to use the program. Since many people dislike installing these components, many of them will skip the program as well. In some instances, it is possible to avoid this installation by using the same plug-ins other common programs use.
The difference in size between the screen size of desktops, laptops, and mobile devices poses a different problem for custom e learning concepts. Courses are generally designed for traditional platforms with a minimum width of 700 pixels. When it comes to mobile devices, however, the programs need to be designed for screens no more than 400 pixels wide. In addition to this, these communication tools are unable to run Java, Adobe Flash, and other rich media.
Mobile devices haven't taken over custom e learning to become a major player, but it is definitely aiming for that goal. The only factor holding mobile e learning design back is the restrictions and complications associated with modern style programming and technology. With the speed at which this changes, you may not have to wait long.
Christine O'Kelly writes for NogginLabs,
e learning design experts. Their flexibility, dependable and responsive project management, accuracy, and creativity work to create perfect
custom e learning programs.
