Educational Technologies

 

http://www.apple.com/ipad/

An iPAD is a tablet computer, developed by Apple that runs Apple’s iOS operating system.  Some consider the iPAD a larger version of the iPhone, as they have many of the same functionalities.  The iPAD has a touch screen with an onscreen keyboard.  For those who find the onscreen keyboard clunky, there is something called a stylus that will assist the user with input.  In addition, the iPAD can accommodate audio and visual media, and access the Internet via a WIFI connection.
I selected the iPAD because it is tried and true technology in the learning environment.  “The use of mobile technology in education is a recent initiative fostered by the easy access and fast technological improvements and advancements of the mobile devices, namely smartphones or tablets such as the iPAD” (Silva, 2014).  iPADS have changed the way our organization delivers training and how our participants receive training.   “Mobile technologies have a great deal of utility in adult education and are another way to empower students in their learning, giving them more options and greater control over where and how they learn” (Russell, Lippencott, & Gettman, 2013). Our learning environment use to be one of participant workbooks, meeting leader guides, flip charts, and a facilitator standing up in front of the room delivering from a PowerPoint presentation.  Today, we deliver training via iPad technology.  All participants utilize the iPAD to participate in competitive activities, conduct research to answer questions during open discussion, create role play videos, construct action plans, and complete surveys; these are just a few examples of how we utilize the iPAD.  The iPAD also enables us to customize the learning experience.  Lastly, the iPAD has enabled us to become a more environmentally friendly training organization, which aligns with our corporate culture and vision.

http://www.apple.com/iphone

http://www.samsunggalaxy.com

http://us.blackberry.com

 “A smartphone, or smart phone, is a mobile phone with more advanced computing capability and connectivity than basic feature phones” (http://en.wikipedia.org).  With a smartphone, the user has the capability to download even more functionality than what comes standard on the device.  As they say “there is an app for everything”.  “Unlike traditional phones, which are produced as finished goods, a smartphone enables users to install, add, and delete hundreds of applications” (Song, 2014).  While I’m a Samsung smartphone owner, it is not the only smartphone on the market.  “The transformation of the smartphone market is changing the game from a winner take all to one in which winners take all, as different players tailor their products to different segments of the market” (Mourdonkoutas, 2013).

I chose the smartphone because it is a great tool to leverage for performance improvement and sustainment and reinforcement of previous learning.  Their size and versatility make them a great tool for those who travel or have a need to access learning real-time.  For example, we are planning to implement interactive, multi-media learning that can be accessed anytime, anywhere from a smartphone.  We believe this will provide our target audience with the support to improve their on-the-job performance.  Imagine if you will, a service advisor in the service drive with a customer, attempting to explain why their vehicle is not operating as it should-the customer is confused and wants more information.  The service advisor pulls out his smartphone pulls up an interactive resource that allows him to actually demonstrate to the customer what is happening with their vehicle-to the point where the customer actually experiences an “a-ha” moment.  “Keeping up with the changes in employee needs is crucial to a successful training program. Give your employees the flexibility they’re looking for with mobile training, and give them the freedom to learn beyond the office” (Wroten, 2014).

 References

Russell, M., Lippencott, J., Getman, J. (2013).  Connected Teaching and Personalized

            Learning: Implications of the National Education Technology Plan (NETP) for Adult

            Education.   Retrieved from: http://www.air.org

Silva, C. (2014) Scientific Bulletin of the  “Petru Maior” University of Tîrgu Mureş Vol. 9

            (XXVI) no. 1, 2012, ISSN 2285 – 438X (Online), ISSN–L 1841 – 9267.

Song, HC.  (2014).   Analysis of the global smartphone market and the strategies of its major

            players. 

Mourdonkoutas, P.  (October, 2013).  The Game Is Changing In The Smartphone Market. 

            Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com

Wroten, C.  (February, 2014).  Beyond the Office: Mobile Learning in the Workplace. 

            Retrieved from:  http://elearningindustry.com/mobile-learning-in-the-workplace