Mobile technology is increasingly infiltrating people’s daily lives. As smartphones, PDAs, tablets, and netbooks continue to develop and increase in functionality, application developers continue to experiment and deliver new applications that not only entertain but also increase productivity.
E-learning or electronic learning is just one sector in which mobile technologies are rapidly gaining ground. The new term, mlearning or mobile learning, fully sums up the concept. Learn on the go, in your pocket and at hand anytime, anywhere.
Enthusiasm for the new approach to learning is met by the rise of e-learning authoring tools developed for mobile applications. Some of them are:
Reader
Lectora is an authoring tool that is not specifically configured for mobile learning, but the result can be accessed on most mobile browsers such as Safari on the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Skyfire on Android. The key features of this e-learning authoring tool are templates that are specially designed for iPhones and iPads; Automated tools for spell checking, HTML errors, multimedia library, etc .; simple creation and publication without programming; and so on.
Mobile Learning Environment (MLE)
Developed by GoKnow !, MLE enables educators to manage student activity including assessment and data backup via mobile devices. The authoring tool is specially designed for K-12 students.
Chalk Pushcast Software
Unlike most mobile applications where the iPhone and iPad take center stage, this software is specially designed for the BlackBerry smartphone. A special feature includes a PowerPoint presentation plug-in where learners or employees can review lectures or talks on the go. The authoring mode is similar to a normal PowerPoint interface, and presentations can include graphics, video, or audio.
SumTotal Tool Book
The SumTotal Toolbook includes custom templates for healthcare training, soft skills training, compliance training, and more. Mobile features are supported by many mobile web browsers, including Safari and Firefox. It also takes advantage of the drag and drop functions of the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
HotLava LMA (Mobile Learning Author)
The software supports multimedia content such as videos, graphics, audio, etc. Java-enabled PDAs like PocketPC, Palm, etc. you can access content as well as smart phones using XHTML like the iPhone.
Vcom3D Vcommunicator Authoring Suite
Vcom3D developed a number of specialized mlearning applications, such as Sign Smith, which use 3D avatars that effectively execute correct sign language rather than just images that cannot fully convey precise sign language. Its e-learning authoring tool offers language and culture learning, custom character development, scenario-based online learning, and performance support.
Veodia
Veodia is a video capture tool that uses MPEG4 format that can be streamed in iTunes for use on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
MentorMate iQpakk
The components of iQpakk include a management system for administrators, import and export capabilities for courses, multimedia support, and more.
Mobile learning authoring tools allow students and learners to continue or supplement the formal education they receive in class or in training sessions. This allows for a more comprehensive and retention-beneficial learning experience. Mobile learning also allows students to use their free time, such as long lines at the bank or long walks, to stimulate their minds and, in doing so, become more productive.