Mobile learning study at IBM

We recently came across an interesting article on BNET UK which detailed a study by Columbia University into the effects of mobile learning within IBM. The article, entitled “Smartphones Make IBM Smarter, But Not As Expected”, was originally published in the Training and Development magazine.

IBM were particularly interested in the research conclusions, as approximately 25,000 employees access internal IBM services using smartphones, a figure which is increasing by 1,000 per month. They can also use their mobile devices to take online mini-courses and more extensive virtual learning programs as part of their professional development plan.

The conclusions of the report suggest that at present mobile technology is best used for Electronic Performance Support rather than for more “traditional” e-learning, which incidentally they didn’t find very useful. This may have more to do with its design rather than the content and technology.
In particular, IBM staff in the study used mobile technology to help find information about clients and other employees at the point of need before communicating with clients - delivering context relevant content quickly and efficiently as a major enabler for productivity.

Key highlights of the article include:
• Employees used mobile information “for two main purposes: in-field performance support from colleagues and access to late-breaking information”
• “Employees seem to prefer fewer options and less information on their mobile phones than would be available on their desktop computers”
• “IBM employees, especially salespeople and managers, need current, just-in-time information that is relevant to their specific task and contextual to their environment”
• “Mobile phone users typically have more immediate, goal-directed intentions than desktop users”

As a result of the study, IBM has shifted its focus for mobile learning from delivering formal learning modules to just-in-time performance support. IBM is now building a new system for executive sales staff that provides, via mobile phones, reference checklists of critical information for preparing for client meetings.

To read the full article, please go to: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m4467/is_201001/ai_n49419891/?tag=content;col1