Mobile Technology for Learning and Training in Corporations

W505 Mobile Learning

Mobile Technology for Learning and Training in Corporations

“The e-learning Guild’s Learning Solutions: Practical Applications of Technology for Learning”



General information

This case study revolves around a company out of North Palm Beach, Florida called

Sales Quenchers. This company specializes in what they refer to as “just-in-time” reference materials. These are basically small, pocket-sized cards with sales tips and training content. Essentially, they make flashcards. However, the problem is that these physical cards cannot be changed unless reprinted. The can become outdated quickly and the use of actual “physical” material is becoming outdated as well. Thus, the company decided to “quench” the limitations by creating digital versions of the cards that could be accessed via mobile phone, home/ office computer, or personal digital assistant (PDA).



Analysis

Learners/trainees, context, and goal

The first category of learners is of course the sales trainees. After all, they would be the chief users of the new mobile-friendly training materials. The whole point of Sales Quenchers is to train potential sales professionals by providing the materials needed to educate one on how to be a successful sales person. Thus, these sales-people would work with the digital information from Sales Quenchers, delivered to their mobile devices.

The customers who hire Sales Quenchers also benefit from the use of mobile learning devices to deliver training materials. According to the case study (Learning Solutions, 2008), managers (i.e. customers of Sales Quenchers) would “have a means to track completions of assignments, and measure retention of information” (p. 2). Customers could also design and launch personalized content and constantly keep information updated. There is a great deal of choice for the customers as they can choose their own “Learning Nuggets” that they want from pre-recorded content (podcasts, documents, etc.).

Though both trainees and customers of the company benefitted from the digitization of training content, there are some constraints and conditions present. First, Sales Quenchers had to transform their information from analog to digital. After that step was accomplished, the company had to be educated on online methods and different ways of thinking about the delivery of content. Sales Quenchers had to change the customer support methods to accommodate learners new the digital trainer/ trainee community. New tools had to be developed in order to make sure that materials could be delivered and used easily, billing could be carried out efficiently, and integration with third party systems could be enabled. Also, Sales Quenchers had to develop ranges of subscriptions to the service different types of customers. Thus, while digitization of materials and delivery via mobile devices makes the process efficient and cost-effective, it is not without constraints.

The overarching goal of teaching both trainers and trainees the use of digitized training systems was to keep information up-to-date, keep information personalized and specific, hold trainees accountable for their learning, analyze date quickly and efficiently, and lower costs.



Technology

The technology used by Sales Quenchers is meant to be used on cell phones, PCs and PDAs. Thus, basically any device with an internet connection (WLAN, WIFI, LAN, etc.) could feasibly use the technology. Sales Quenchers developed its programming to allow users to learn/ train on his or her own pace and time. Managers can then access, review, and analyze data that is created through the trainees’ activity. One of the systems used is called CellCast—which allows for mobile devices to effectively recognize and use the services. SMS messaging, email, and podcasts are also technology components used.



Design solution

The learning content is the training materials for sales trainees. Trainers can launch training modules and materials as needed or required. The integration of mobile technology and the learning design is basically based on e-learning. There does not seem to be an instructor led component. According to the case study, the learning experience is based on CellCast providing daily content to one who subscribes to Sales Quenchers. The trainees or customers receive information via SMS message, email, or recording. Subscribers answer questions or take tests, and rate content. The only time subscribers/ trainees need or use an instructor is when the instructor tracks and analyzes progress, scores, survey results, and billing reports.

As mentioned in the technology section, mobile technology is delivered and managed using the CellCast platform and is delivered to mobile devices via SMS message, email, and podcasts. It seems that the learning design from Sales Quenchers is separate from the actions of the actual learners. It is a program that is managed and launched from a remote location to the mobile devices and then used as a learning tool at one’s own pace, time, and location.



Pedagogical underpinnings

As I have noticed with several other cases, the situated learning theory and the activity theory fit well into this case. It seems that the activity theory fits well with most mobile learning activities because mobile devices allow for students to learn in their own environments and take into account cultural differences that may exist due to their physical environments. The activity theory also implies that learners are provided with tools for solving problems in their own context. With Sales Quenchers, the context is a sales training program. If one wants to become a better sales-person, they used the tools provided and apply them wherever necessary.

One of the great perks of Sales Quenchers using mobile learning for training purposes is that recordings and other materials from experts in the field can easily be uploaded and used by trainees. This type of learning uses expert opinions, is authentic to the learners/ trainees, and allows learners to experience different perspectives and modes of learning. Thus, the situated learning theory certainly applies to what Sales Quenchers is using in their company.



Works Cited:

Chong, N.J. (2011, January 24). Pedagogical underpinnings [Online Forum Comment]. Retrieved from https://oncourse.iu.edu/portal/site/SP11-BL-EDUC-W505-15701/page/6d59fe84-aae5-46d6-a08e-4d1a299d9086

Sales quenchers case study: delivering learning nuggets by smartphone. (2008). Learning Solutions e- magazine.