Q:
You discussed last month how mobile e-Learning will likely start to differentiate itself more and more from conventional e-Learning. Internet phones may be used to present audio content to students. Two-way messaging may be used for online mentoring. With the number of mobile devices predicted to surpass the number of conventional computers for web access by 2007 and bandwidth for mobile devices increasing dramatically, mobile e-Learning is certain to become an even more important part of training. I know there are companies starting to use mobile learning, but I just don’t see how it will work in our industry. Is their a place for mobile learning in the security industry?
A:
Mobile learning is in its earliest stages of development, but experts see great potential for using it in many different fields. It is obvious to those of us in the trenches—yet it may still be unclear to those unfamiliar—there is a place for mobile learning in the security industry. In fact, it will revolutionize the way our industry learns.
Some companies are starting to embrace these new methods, but few have really begun to grasp the strategic and competitive power that mobile learning offers them. To best describe how powerful mobile learning can be for security professionals, consider these practical examples:
Scene 1 – John, a new technician with a security firm, is in the field installing a series of devices at the client site. In the middle of the installation process, John realizes that not only is the control panel a model he has never installed, but he also does not have the specifications for installing several of the other devices for this job. This is not a problem for John however, because all of his company’s user guides, data sheets, products specs and installation diagrams are installed on his PDA. The training department at John’s organization has even supplied every field technician with mobile courses on installation and support of their products. John is able to launch the mobile course on the latest product training for a quick “in-the-field” training course. After John completes the 30-minute tutorial, he opens the installation diagram for the control panel and completes this job with ease.
Scene 2 – As a sales representative for an access control product manufacturer, Pam is in front of dozens of clients each week. In order for her to stay competitive, she has to answer questions about her products and competitors products seamlessly. Pam is able to keep on top of it all by referencing a mobile database of her company’s products and solutions. Her marketing department has also provided the field sales department a downloadable training module with corresponding data sheets covering the competition. At the end of each day, Pam just synchronizes her mobile device with corporate and any new product updates or competitor data is downloaded to her PDA.
Connie Moorhead is the President of The CMOOR Group and founder of SecurityCEU.com, Louisville, KY. CMOOR is a full-service education solution provider, custom online content development and Webinar service firm focusing exclusively on the security, manufacturing, and construction industries. SecurityCEU is an industry certification resource and online continuing education provider. Send your training questions and needs to [email protected].
