Mobile Technologies and Learning (Networking Session) Pam Boiros, VP Product Management, Books24x7 Learning: Re-Imagined

AgendaAgenda Introductions: Your Name/Role/Organization One word that comes to mind when you think about “mobile learning”. SkillSoft Update: Mobile market trends Mobility vs./and Portability SkillSoft Strategy Discussion: Are you currently incorporating mobile technology into your learning programs? How? If not, do you plan to? Where do you see the most promising application? Pitfalls, “gotchas”, red flags?

Mobility and Portability Mobility and Portability

Mobile Workers on the Rise An increase in the number of mobile workers and an uptake in Smartphone adoption is expected worldwide –75% of the U.S. work force will be mobile by year-end 2011 –1 billion workers around the world will be classified as mobile by 2011 –Organizations deploying mobile working technologies enjoy a strategic competitive advantage over companies that have not integrated mobility into their environment Source: IDC (1/2008) Mobile devices may be the primary Internet appliance in some markets Converged Mobile Devices (CMDs): Annual compound growth rate of 54% over next 4 years 82 million devices by 2011 Drivers: Beyond telephony, secure link to corporate intranets, access corporate . Source: IDC

Mobile Learning News Chalk acquired by RIM Cisco WebEx Release iPhone App

Mobile Devices Mobile Challenges Multiple platforms Shifting standards Slow networks Rapid obsolescence Economics

Mobile ‘Truths’ Supplements, but does not replace traditional e-learning Component of the corporate “learning ecosystem” Appropriate content, appropriate device, appropriate time Tracking and reporting is key Must be simple to use and should not be device dependent SkillSoft platforms continue to evolve to offer increasing mobile capabilities

Mobile is an Extension of the eLearning Ecosystem Online Offline Watch or listen to downloaded video or MP3 Search a database for urgent snippet Select from many modes Take a course or read a chapter on an airplane

Offline Courses

Offline Chapters and Videos

Books24x7 On the Go™ Access to personal and corporate bookshelves, bookmarks, and notes Browse, Search, Read, Download Audio Web application optimized for web- enabled mobile devices Mobile Access for Busy Professionals

Mobile: Enhanced Visibility

SkillSoft Strategy: Continues to be an R&D priority Mobility is an extension, not replacement Focus on “In-between” learning Web/ delivery Trackability is key

DiscussionDiscussion Are you currently incorporating mobile technology into your learning programs? How? If not, do you plan to? Where do you see the most promising application? Pitfalls, “gotchas”, red flags?