Mobile technology is increasingly infiltrating people’s daily lives. As smartphones, PDAs, tablet computers and e-books continue to develop and increase in functionality, application developers continue to experiment and introduce new applications that not only provide entertainment but also increase productivity.
E-learning or e-learning is just one sector in which mobile technologies are rapidly gaining traction. The new term, learning or mobile learning, sums up the whole concept. It learns on the go, in your pocket and within easy reach anytime, anywhere.
Enthusiasm for the new learning approach is met by increasing e-learning authoring tools developed for mobile applications. Some of these are:
lectora
Lectora is an authoring tool that is not specifically configured for mobile learning but the score can be accessed on most mobile browsers such as Safari on iPhone, iPad and iPod and Skyfire on Android. The main features of this e-learning authoring tool are the templates specially designed for iPhone and iPad; Automated tools for checking spelling, HTML errors, media library, etc.; Easy, coding-free authoring and publishing; And so on and so on.
mobile learning environment (MLE)
Developed by GoKnow!, MLE allows educators to manage student activity including assessment and data backup via mobile devices. The authoring tool is designed specifically for K-12 students.
Pushcast Chalk Software
Unlike most mobile apps where iPhone and iPad take center stage, this one is designed specifically for the BlackBerry smartphone. A special feature includes a PowerPoint presentations plugin where trainees or employees can review lectures or talks anywhere. Authoring mode is similar to the normal PowerPoint interface, and your presentations may include graphics, video, or audio.
SumTotal Toolbook
The SumTotal Toolkit includes templates specifically designed for healthcare training, soft skills training, compliance training, etc. The mobile features are compatible with a lot of mobile web browsers including Safari and Firefox, and it takes advantage of the drag and drop features of the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
HotLava LMA (mobile education author)
The software supports multimedia content such as videos, graphics, audio, etc. Java-enabled PDAs such as PocketPC, Palm, etc. can access the content as well as smartphones that use XHTML such as the iPhone.
Vcom3D Vcommunicator authoring suite
Vcom3D has developed a number of specialized learning applications such as Sign Smith that use 3D avatars that effectively perform correct sign language rather than images that cannot fully convey accurate sign language. Their e-learning authoring tool provides language and culture learning, personalized character development, scenario-based online learning, and performance support.
Feudya
Veodia is a video capture tool that uses the MPEG4 format that can be streamed on iTunes for use on iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
MentorMate iQpakk
Components of iQpakk include a management system for administrators, import and export capabilities for e-courses, multimedia support, etc.
Mobile learning authoring tools allow students and trainees to continue or supplement the formal education they receive in class or in courses. This allows for a more comprehensive learning experience as well as good for retention. Mobile learning also allows learners to take advantage of their free time such as long lines at the bank or long walks to stimulate their minds and thus become more productive.
