eLearning on Tablets – Getting it Right
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Contents Chapter 1
Chapter 2
The Basics First
04
1.1 The Tablet Phenomenon
05
1.2 Understanding eLearning on Tablets
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1.3 Why Should You be Considering It?
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Designing eLearning for Tablets
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2.1 What to Consider
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2.1.1 Five Moments of Learning Need
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2.1.2 Four Types of Mobile Content
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2.1.3 The 4 Cs of Mobile Capability
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2.2 Design Considerations
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2.3 Building eLearning for Tablets
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2.3.1 Case study - Showcasing Toyota Yaris Through an iPad App 2.4 Understanding mEnablement 2.4.1 Case Study – Converting Existing eLearning for iPads 02 of 52
30 32 34 www.upsidelearning.com
Contents Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Tools
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3.1 Tools for Playing Flash on iPads
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3.2 Conversion and Authoring Tools
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The Finish Line
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4.1 Top Ten Tips
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Conclusion
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Chapter 1
The Basics First
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Chapter 1
The Basics First 1.1 The Tablet Phenomenon From 'just another type of PC' to 'an interesting media consumption device', tablets have come a long way in a short time. Today, they are smarter, lighter, technologically advanced, and affordable. While Apple's iPad was not the first tablet device to be manufactured, it was the first to see huge commercial success. In a sense, the iPad is the device that actually 'redefined' the tablet market. Since its launch in April 2010, Apple has sold more than 100 million iPads – a mind boggling number! This explosion of iPads has revolutionised the mobile and tablet market across the world. It's not surprising that global enterprises have a growing interest in iPads. It is reported that a staggering 94% of the Fortune 500 companies are either testing or deploying iPad [1].
competitive and economically priced tablets running some form of mobile operating system. Typically, the newer emerging platforms are more open, and offer more user and developer flexibility compared to Apple's iOS ecosystem. Overall, the tablet market is showing exponential growth with tablet sales touted to overtake that of notebook PCs with an estimated volume of 240 million units sold worldwide by end of 2013.
However, it's not just the iPad sweeping the tablet market; there are other strong, emerging players that are seizing a considerable share of this rapidly growing market. Today, Samsung, Asus, and Microsoft have
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Chapter 1
The Basics First 1.1 The Tablet Phenomenon This is also demonstrated by a research that suggests that the installed base of desktop and notebook PCs, will be overtaken by that of tablets and smartphones. Within two years, tablets will be as big a user base (if not bigger) to service as notebooks or desktops.
businesses. It's reported that 36% people use their tablets primarily for business use more than personal use.
Source: http://www.computing.co.uk/ctg/analysis/2198142/the-rise-and-rise-oftouchscreens-in-the-workplace
It's already in the enterprise Tablets aren't limited to entertainment purposes like viewing video or playing games, they are now a part of organisational activities across large and small 06 of 52
Forrester predicts that a third of the 375 million tablets sold in 2016 will be purchased by businesses [2]. There is no doubt that tablets are now an important category of business devices that require us to consider utilise them for organisational and individual learning strategy and for learning intervention deployments of any sort . www.upsidelearning.com
Chapter 1
The Basics First 1.2 Understanding eLearning on Tablets The penetration of mobile devices is forcing a movement towards delivering learning on tablets and mobile phones. It is quite common these days to find enterprises seeking to deliver learning meant for traditional desktops on these mobile devices too. For most of these organisations, mobile learning (mLearning) is nothing more than delivering learning content on tablets. Is it mLearning or eLearning? Neither –it is
Tablets offer a screen size and experience similar to that of PCs or laptops and the agility of a smartphone. This combination makes learning on tablets unique. It can be viewed as a mobile form of PC-based eLearning, completely eligible to be called 'mobile learning'. Content delivered on tablets is — and is supposed to be — different in appearance from regular eLearning or mLearning context; this is required considering the context in which the tablets will be used.
eLearning on Tablets
CBT/WBT (normally delivered on desktops or laptops)
eLearning
mLearning (delivered on mobile phones/smart phones)
eLearning on Tablets (delivered on tablets)
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Tablets are quite unique when it comes to delivering learning because: - They are mobile devices which may not be as personal as mobile phones - They are not as portable and you can't hold them in your hands for long – you will probably need some support eventually - The context in which learners would use a tablet vis-à-vis mobile phone may be very different - Their screen size (7” to 10”) provide a larger area for multimedia displays unlike the small screens of mobile phones www.upsidelearning.com
Chapter 1
The Basics First 1.2 Understanding eLearning on Tablets In light of these characteristics, it's easy to see why any learning happening on tablets is considered as mLearning. However, it isn't that simple. Lately there have been some interesting conversations on the web discussing the categorisation of eLearning on tablets. R. J. Jacquez, mobile learning analyst and consultant, questioned in one of his blog posts, whether eLearning on tablets was mobile learning or not.
He says, “The easiest way to answer this question would be to say Yes, after all the iPad as well as any other tablet, are mobile devices and mLearning is mostly about mobile devices. So why not, right? However I think this would be a myopic way of looking at the most exciting computing era in history, mobile, and would therefore set the bar way too low, make us a little too comfortable and hinder innovation.”
R. J. Jacquez, Mobile Learning Analyst and Consultant 08 of 52
One cannot agree more. By accepting eLearning on tablets the same as mLearning, the bar is being set too low. One can do much better by exploiting the potential of one of the most disruptive technologies of modern times – mobile. Responding to R J's question with a firm 'NO' in his blog post, Clark Quinn, a leader in learning technology strategy, explained what works best and when.
He says, “If your mobile solution isn't doing something unique because of where (or when) you are, if it's not doing something unique to the context, it's not mLearning. Using a tablet like a laptop is not mLearning. If you're using it to solve problems in your location, to access information you need here and now, it's mobile, whether pocketable or not. That's what mLearning is, and it's mostly about performance support, or contextualised learning augmentation, it's not about just info access in convenience.”
Clark Quinn Leader in learning technology strategy www.upsidelearning.com
Chapter 1
The Basics First 1.2 Understanding eLearning on Tablets So eLearning on tablets is not quite the same as mLearning. The main argument is – that the context in which the two devices are used and the purpose for which the learning is being done makes all the difference.
Just to illustrate the point – Which device is most suitable to deliver learning to this person in the following picture?
Image courtesy: Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Definitely you are thinking mobile phones and not tablets. 09 of 52
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Chapter 1
The Basics First 1.3 Why Should You be Considering It? Among the other options available, why should you consider delivering eLearning on tablets now or anytime in the future? Because your peers are considering it or that it would just be cool? Not really. You should consider it because eLearning on tablets will increase the reach and usability of your traditional eLearning program and eventually help you move towards mobile learning.
路
To supplement eLearning with support material or social/collaborative elements (justin-time help/reference)
路
To increase the eLearning uptake and use to the downtime spent on planes, trains, waiting at airports and train stations, or just free time (most applicable to senior executives)
It is important to evaluate the purpose and benefits for the enterprise before delivering eLearning on tablets and take next steps accordingly. Here are some reasons that should encourage you to think about eLearning on tablets: 路 To make eLearning accessible to the mobile workforce (sales teams) 路 To enable learners to carry learning with them for just-in-time performance support (field/technical staff)
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The Basics First 1.3 Why Should You be Considering It? As a gateway to 'Real' mLearning Many organisations that have done eLearning in the past have first converted (mEnabled) their existing (legacy) courseware, including content created in Flash, to make it tablet compatible. Others are thinking of creating new eLearning in HTML5 so that it can work on iPads and other tablets. One way or the other, delivering eLearning on tablets can be a great starting point to move towards 'real' mLearning in the future. Why? Because it is easily related to immediate business needs.
eLearning
eLearning on tablets
mLearning on tablets
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This is supported by a recently published research report by ASTD, Mobile Learning: Delivering Learning In A Connected World), which suggests that the iPads are playing a major role in pushing the adoption of mLearning in the enterprise. The use of eLearning on tablets is your doorway to enter the world of mLearning.
mLearning on tablets & mobiles
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Chapter 2
Designing eLearning for Tablets
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.1 What to Consider Once you decide to deliver eLearning on tablets, there are a number of factors you need to consider to make the learning experience satisfying for your learners. These include evaluating the moment of learning need, type of content, and mobile device capabilities.
2.1.1
Five Moments of Learning Need Dr. Conrad Gottfredson, an expert on performance support and learning technologies and methodologies, has identified the five moments when an employee or a learner needs to learn something or desires performance support for doing their job. The Five Moments of Learning Need are: [2]
Acquisition of Knowledge 1. When people are learning how to do something for the first time (New); 2. When people are expanding the breadth and depth of what they have learned (More);
Application of Knowledge 3. When they need to act upon what they have learned, which includes planning what they will do, remembering what they may have forgotten, or adapting their performance to a unique situation (Apply); 4. When problems arise, or things break or don't work the way they were intended (Solve); and, 5. When people need to learn a new way of doing something, which requires them to change skills that are deeply ingrained in their performance practices.
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.1 What to Consider For the latter three moments of learning, mobile learning makes perfect sense. This logic extends to thinking of eLearning on tablets and not just learning on pocketable smartphones. Along with technical design considerations, it is important to consider when, where, why, and how tablets will be accessed for learning, and what content will work in that specific learning situation. Explore different types of content and interactions that will lead to quick recall of learned information, or help to find a quick fix for a problem, or to simply nurture or acquire new skills.
2.1.2
Four Types of Mobile Content Content delivered on tablets differs with the type of business you are in, the learning needs of your learners and the context of learning and performance. In order to choose the right content, it's important to evaluate various types of content that can help you achieve your objective in an optimum manner. It could be video tutorials or podcasts with crucial information, an
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instruction manual or social sharing forum, or simply, any other choice of content option that can be rendered on a tablet. In his book 'Learning Everywhere', Chad Udell categorises content into four types for mobile delivery, which could be useful for delivering on tablets as well. 1. Converted Content: This consists of converting some part of your existing eLearning content into a mobile compatible format. It may include some part of the learning material or interactions that are suitable for viewing and learning on screens smaller than PCs and desktops. ExampleeLearning, job aids, and performance supporting content. 2. Business Processes: Delivering content which is specific to a business activity or process, like SCM, ERP, CRM, contacts applications, customdeveloped company software, etc.
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Chapter 2
Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.1 What to Consider 3. Social and User-Generated: Allowing learners to generate their own content via informal learning channels like micro blogs (Twitter), social networking, wikis, blogs , chat, community-generated content, etc. and share it with other learners. 4. Uniquely Mobile: This refers to content which is unique to mobile and can be accessed through special capabilities of these devices like virtual or augmented reality, GPS data, touch and haptics, voice and messaging services, etc. For each of these categories, the instructional design model, the software tools, and the design and development processes are independent of each other.
2.1.3
The 4 Cs of Mobile Capability The many features and multimedia functionalities of tablets lend themselves to a host of learning related activities. Clark Quinn, in his book 'Designing mLearning', presented the Four Cs of Mobile Capability that contributes to providing effective learning experiences. 1. Content – This includes leveraging different 15 of 52
learning media that the user interacts with. Presenting contextual, relevant materials that will help the users/learners learn quickly or aid in job performance. 2. Capture – Devices today allow data capturing through camera, sensors, recorders, or simply by typing. Information gathered either by users intentionally (e.g. by taking a picture) or automatically (such as a GPS) can be shared or accessed whenever needed. 3. Compute – This means using device capabilities for processing complicated, manually entered or captured information into an easy-to-understand format for the user. 4. Communicate – Utilising inbuilt or downloadable communicating apps that will allow learners to communicate with each other, apart from regular phone calling feature. They can use Instant Messaging (IM), microblogging, text messaging, VoIP, etc., as an instant communication medium, exchange real-time information, or find instant help from peers or experts. www.upsidelearning.com
Chapter 2
Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.2 Design Considerations First, determine the type of learning you wish to deliver and the context in which tablets will be used to deliver it. It is equally important to give consideration to the interface design and type of content that will be accessed on these devices. In short, the design and content should 'make sense' and align with the purpose of delivering eLearning on a tablet. Think over the design considerations and proceed accordingly. After all, the success and effectiveness of any eLearning activity, whether on tablets or any other device is driven mainly by its usage.
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1
Content relevance
2
Embed in the workflow
3
Consistency across multiple devices
4
Personalisation
5
Offline Usage
6
Augmented Reality/QR Codes
7
Responsive design
8
Tackle Security concerns
9
Other design considerations
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Chapter 2
Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.2 Design Considerations 1
Content relevance
Example
Ask yourself - What do I want my learners to remember (or know) when they access any learning material on tablet? Depending on the answer, evaluate the content based on its relevance to the learning objective. Instead of providing everything, give your learners only selective information that will be relevant to the situation and the learning context.
Vocollect, a leading developer and manufacturer of voice solutions, deployed a library of short learning snippets on iPads, extracted from their full-fledged learning course. The goal was to supplement and reinforce end users' instructor-led training. The iPad was selected due to the mobile nature of the end users' roles, and also to enable them to access these short learning nuggets from home.
Further, identify important content in varying forms like eBooks, video, audio, small eLearning modules, etc., that can be delivered on tablets. Once you decide 'what content', you can consider dividing that learning content into small portions or chunks and make these chunks easily searchable.
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.2 Design Considerations 2
Embed in the workflow Tablets are excellent for providing on-the-job performance support. So think about learning that can be a part of your workforce's regular workflow, and then develop the necessary courseware that can help them in performing their job more efficiently.
class for members of Skywards, Emirates' frequent flyer program.
Example Emirates, the largest airline operating in the Middle East, is using tablets coupled with custom developed applications as performance support tools for its crewmembers. As reported by Digital Trends:The tablet will run a version of Emirates' Knowledge Driven Inflight Service (KIS) business app, the company's in-flight communication and customer relationship management software which it has been using for the last eight years.
Source - http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/no-ipads-foremirates-airline-to-hand-out-hp-windows-8-tablets-to-flight-crew/
The app allows staff to quickly learn about passenger preferences and needs, and can also be used to conduct in-flight upgrades to business class or first 18 of 52
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.2 Design Considerations 3
Consistency across multiple devices If you have a workforce that uses both PCs and tablets for learning, it is important to maintain consistency in the look and feel, functionality, and interaction in all the versions of courses or learning elements. Consistency should also be maintained across multiple platforms and devices to present a uniform learning experience to the learners. Compatibility issues across operating systems and browsers may arise if you are targeting multiple devices. It will then become necessary to pick learning elements or apps that will work smoothly across platforms. However, if it's only tablets you are looking at, developing content or apps with HTML5 is a great option even now, since almost every tablet includes a modern, HTML5 compatible browser. That said, this is debatable, because every browser renders HTML5 differently and HTML5 is not a standard yet. Another option is hybrid apps especially if multiple mobile platforms are being considered. Like native apps, they run on the device, are written with web 19 of 52
technologies like HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript. The user need not be always connected to the Internet to access the content as hybrid apps can run offline too. If your content doesn't need high graphics performance, a hybrid app is a good option. Example After launching an app for iPhone, LinkedIn was soon able to propel towards the iPad to build a beautifully designed app using HTML5-based mobile web technology. The app, shown below, maintains consistency in design, functionalities and overall experience across iPad and iPhone.
Design consistency across devices - LinkedIn app on iPhone and iPad www.upsidelearning.com
Chapter 2
Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.2 Design Considerations 4
Personalisation
Example
Add a touch of personalisation to your learning app or eLearning module. You can include following features:
A blog app by Upside Learning that allows a reader to mark posts for reading them later.
· · · · ·
Marking things as 'favorite' or 'read it later' Adding bookmarks Adding notes/comments Rating content, videos, podcasts, etc., for instant feedback Creating or participating in discussion forums
Try to leverage various social and collaborative features provided by tablets today. Design learning elements that will provide opportunities to users to interact with each other and collaborate to exchange information and knowledge freely and easily.
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.2 Design Considerations 5
Offline Usage For job roles that constantly require the workforce to travel to remote places or where connectivity is often low or lacking, it is ideal to provide learning material that can be accessed offline. Allow users to download learning material like short courses, how-to videos, or informative podcasts on their devices for future reference. Native or hybrid apps can help you in doing this. Example Jangro, a leading supplier of cleaning and hygiene products to various industries in the UK and Ireland, uses Upside Learning's mobile learning platform, Upside2Go, to deliver courses and other information in the form of videos, documents etc. to its mobile workforce. As a native app available on iPhone and Android, Upside2Go allows users to download the learning content on their mobile devices which then can be accessed offline too.
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.2 Design Considerations 6
Augmented Reality/QR Codes
Example
The camera has become a standard feature in almost all tablets today. It can be used for AR (Augmented Reality)/QR (Quick Response) enabled learning or information access. QR codes can be used for access to text, web-links, audio, video, book reviews, sharing files and much more. While AR apps like Layar and Blippar use image-recognition to bring newspapers, magazines, products and posters to life with augmented reality experiences and readily available content. The possibilities that these technologies offer for learning are limitless.
Jangro, a leading supplier of cleaning and hygiene products to various industries in the UK and Ireland, has equipped all their products and product collaterals with QR codes for easy and instant access to relevant training material/information related to the particular product. When scanned, a list of available courses/videos/podcasts and other information pop up, allowing the user to access these resources to learn more about a particular product.
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.2 Design Considerations 7
Responsive design In a multi-device world, where users often access content across from as many as three to five devices in a day [3], responsive design seems like a 'no-brainer' for delivering eLearning across platforms. Responsive Web Design (RWD) allows the web pages to reformat and edit the content on a web page to suit the screen size of the device from which it is being accessed. It features a 'fluid grid' and 'media queries'. If a webpage designed using responsive design methodology is accessed from a 4� mobile device or a 7� tablet, the page would be laid out differently and some content (example big images) may not be displayed as against that seen on a desktop or laptop. So while RWD provides device/display specific structuring of the content, enabling the content layout to change to the device size and viewing mode (landscape or portrait), you have to ensure the relevance, type, and context of the content, and more importantly the 'point of use' and access. Also consider if some of your learners would want to access
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the desktop version on their tablets because they find the design and structure easier to navigate.
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.2 Design Considerations 8
Tackle Security concerns
Example
The security of an organisation's proprietary and confidential information is a key aspect that needs to be managed well when mobile learning is to be incorporated in the learning mix. For web-based mobile learning, login-protected access coupled with data encryption is sufficient to manage most security concerns. However, using app-based mobile learning, where the learning resources are downloaded onto the learners' devices requires more stringent security arrangements. In addition to screen locks, autotimeouts, password-protected access to the content inside the apps, data encryption, solutions such as Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM) are of great help. These can prevent any unauthorised access and even provide a feature to affect a 'remote erase' on lost devices. Also, devising and communicating a clearly outlined mobile security policy for your staff goes a long way in defining the boundaries of good mobile practice and usage.
Upside2Go, Upside Learning's mobile learning platform comes with secure (HTTPS) communication, so that your data is safe from any external threat.
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.2 Design Considerations 9
Other design considerations
Rollovers: Since tablets don't feature mouse cursors,
As with all forms of learning, when you design for tablets, you design for user experience. So think about how the user will hold the tablet, situations in which it will be used; then design the UI, layout, and other interactions. Touch: Leverage the tablets' touch screen capabilities like tap, swipe, pinch, slide, press and hold, etc., for interaction and to make the course engaging. Large fingers: Your interface design will be touched, tapped, or swiped by fingers of different sizes. So while designing, account for large fingers for the best results. Allow plenty of room for an accurate poke. Virtual Keyboard: A virtual keypad occupies substantial screen space when in use. Considering this, think of placing text-entry section as well as instructional text right above the virtual keypad for better visibility.
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rollover menus may not work best. Instead, you can convert rollover to click, and regular clicks to double click for better functionality. Thumb reach: Given the size of a tablet, it is obvious to think of learners holding the device with both hands, leaving only thumbs free to reach out across the screen. So, align the buttons that will need frequent tapping within thumbs' reach. Images: If you wish to use one or a lot of images in your course, optimise them. The aim here is to reduce the image file size so that it doesn't choke up downloading. You can resize it, convert it to some other compatible format or simply crop the image and keep only the relevant parts. Landscape vs. Portrait mode: Screen orientations provide unique design opportunities at the simple turn of a device. You can make landscape and portrait mode view uniquely interesting or at least ensure that the interface occupies whole screen area of the device.
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.2 Design Considerations 9
Other design considerations Video: Are you a believer of the famous saying - 'a picture is worth a thousand words'? Then think of what a video is worth. Think of developing some interesting videos which will make your courseware engaging and interesting and at the same time, deliverable on a large tablet. With videos, you can also think of uploading some podcasts or documents as additional downloadable resources. LMS tracking: If you are delivering SCORM complaint courseware, you might need to think of deploying it on native apps for facilitating local storage. This is to allow for device mobility, as tablets may not always be in network connected area.
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.3 Building eLearning for Tablets While designing eLearning for tablet appears relatively straightforward, especially because the display area is similarly sized to a laptop and a PC, the context in which a tablet is used, its ever increasing usage on the move and changing user preferences, makes designing for a tablet different and challenging. Many organisations who use eLearning are now converting (mEnabling) their existing courseware to make it tablet compatible. A good move, especially if you want to get started with mobile learning with minimal investment.
Applications – Native or Web-based? Applications - Everyone seems to swear by them and there seems to be an application for everything, so why can't you have an eLearning application too? Of course you can, but first, it is vital to understand the difference between a native application and webbased application.
Check out mEnablement in detail in section 2.4. However for organisations getting into eLearning on tablets directly, taking into account the technology, tools, and applications becomes all important. Technology – Flash vs. HTML5 For any form of web-based mLearning, HTML5 is the future, even if it's not as ready as believed to be. Flash is no longer an important part of the story, unless you are developing entire eLearning for desktops and other tablets which still support Flash. 27 of 52
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.3 Building eLearning for Tablets
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.3 Building eLearning for Tablets
mobile websites. mobile websites.
Source: http://www.mrc-productivity.com/blog/2012/03/hybrid-vs-native-vs-mobile-web-comparison-chart/
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.3 Building eLearning for Tablets 2.3.1
blended solution - to support live interactive sessions held during the event.
Case Study About Ignition Established in 1979, Ignition is a leading provider of innovative learning solutions specialising in eLearning, training, high-impact launch programs and intelligent communications. With a highly focused, multi-lingual team, the company delivers a powerful mix of practical and effective learning experiences across a range of distribution channels online, face-to-face, and in print. Need
Solution Based on Ignition's requirements, a native app for the iPad highlighting various features of the new Toyota Yaris was developed using the iOS Software Development Kit (SDK). Some key screens included a complete 360 degree view of the car, a video and image gallery, a quick comparison against competition, detailed specifications, and information about Toyota's 5-year warranty scheme.
Ignition decided to adopt an innovative approach when launching a car for one of its clients, Toyota. Ignition wanted to develop an iPad app showcasing Toyota Yaris - Toyota's then newly launched car. The idea was to distribute iPads with the Toyota Yaris app installed amongst attendees at the launch event of this new car. The multi-layered audience of 2000 was to include dealer staff, management, and Toyota HQ staff at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, UK. This app was specifically designed to work as part of a 30 of 52
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.3 Building eLearning for Tablets Benefits This innovative launch strategy was well received and appreciated by Toyota and all the attendees at the launch event. The design and innovative way of information presentation generated higher engagement amongst event attendees and increased their understanding of the Toyota Yaris, its features, specifications, and other nuances. The app also enabled self-paced exploration of the car and supported the interactive sessions held during the event.
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.4 Understanding mEnablement For most organisations, adopting eLearning on tablets or even mLearning raises the BIG question of “What do we do with our existing content, developed in Flash which doesn't run on the iPad?” The answer is pretty simple – mEnablement. 'mEnablement' is a term we use to define the conversion of the legacy courseware into a mobile compatible format. This may call for repositioning of the content, adding or deleting interactions, and repurposing course structure and navigation to make it consumable on mobile devices. mEnablement is a quick and effective alternative to minimise the time and budget consuming process of designing fresh content and get started with eLearning on tablets. With the enterprise tablet adoption is estimated to grow by almost 50% per year (Source: Digital Ad Agency Vertic), mEnabling your existing eLearning for tablets will soon be a question of 'when', rather than 'if'. This will mean a whole new way of designing, developing, and delivering materials, information, and
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learning for tablets which everyone must move towards. So, how can you mEnable your eLearning for iPads? Converting your existing eLearning (on desktops) to eLearning on tablets can be relatively easy. Visually, the display areas of tablets are similar to desktop PCs and therefore, from a design perspective, content repurposing is often quite simple. However, developing this content is another story. iOS doesn't support Flash and a lot of the existing eLearning is Flash-based, so it's essential to convert it to an iPad friendly medium – HTML (yes, back to HTML!). Moreover, Apple's mobile browser, Safari, can also affect and largely decide on the design of your eLearning course as it can be very 'choosy' about supporting interactivity we took for granted when building using Flash.
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.4 Understanding mEnablement Flash CS6 Toolkit for CreateJS, Captivate Version 6, Articulate Storyline, and Adobe Edge are some of the tools that promise 'quick fix' solutions for converting your existing eLearning to a tablet-compatible format. A number of rapid authoring tools, like Adobe Captivate 5.5 with HTML5 Converter and Lectora Inspire can also help you to quickly convert your eLearning to HTML5 for mobile delivery, as well as create dynamic video and Flash content. But, is just conversion the answer? And will it be as seamless and simple as everyone says it will be? Well the short answer is “not quite”. It isn't as simple and certainly not without its own challenges. You may have to kill some of your interactions, stop playing some video or audio files and possibly make smaller 'compromises' just because they are not supported by iOS. All is not lost though. Before you get started, weigh up your options, relook your learning requirements, and consider the following — it might help you get started:
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1. Should you convert existing courses into HTML? Or would it make better sense to develop a new (perhaps more contemporary) HTML course from scratch? 2. What conversion tools will work best for you, in terms of output, time, and money? 3. Look beyond just the Flash components, existing courses may have third party plug-ins and interactions to make the course more effective but those won't work on iPads. 4. Look at how the interface design will support touch screen navigation and finger-tip controls. 5. Ensure your new courses are not just technically compatible, but also deliver an effective and aesthetically appealing learning experience to your users. 6. Are the new courses SCORM compliant? Do they communicate with the LMS for scores and other tracking data?
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Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.4 Understanding mEnablement 2.4.1
Case Study
Solution
About Vocollect
The detailed eLearning course content was converted into short mLearning nuggets called 'Snippets'. The snippets captured the gist of the eLearning courses and were made in a mobile compatible format that learners could access on their iPads. iPads were chosen because of the mobile nature of the end user roles which required them to be in warehouse environments, in-the-field for demonstrations, and to enable users to access content from home.
Vocollect, a business unit of Intermec, is the number one developer and manufacturer of voice solutions for mobile workers worldwide, helping customers achieve a higher level of business performance through voice. Every day, Vocollect and its partners enable over 500,000 workers worldwide to distribute more than $5 billion dollars' worth of goods. Need With a view to supplementing and reinforcing its training, Vocollect wanted to create a library of short learning snippets to be delivered on iPads. This was to be done to ensure quick and easy access to important information as needed. However Vocollect's existing eLearning courses delivered via ILT, VCT, and WBT were too long to be consumed by its learners in sales/support, pre-sales, and implementation teams.
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Chapter 2
Designing eLearning for Tablets 2.4 Understanding mEnablement Benefits Using Snippets, Vocollect not only managed to reinforce the knowledge gained during the ILT sessions but also reduced the overall time and cost involved in repeating them. Learners could also refer to their iPads to support their in-field performance. This approach helped Vocollect to train the employees, partners, and end–users of Vocollect products and services, to use products safely and efficiently, thus increasing productivity.
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Chapter 3
Tools
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Chapter 3
Tools 3.1 Tools for Playing Flash on iPads Some of these browsers can be a good starting point for playing Flash-based content on an iPad: Puffin Browser
iSwifter
The Puffin Browser is an app that supports Adobe Flash, thus playing Flash videos, games, and other Flashbased content on iPads. However, it is good to know beforehand that the playback of heavy video and audio tracks may cause slowdowns and lockups sometimes
This is a browser app for the iPad which plays Flash content like videos, apps, and even games across the web. Moreover, there is no need to wait while the video is transcoded into HTML5 on servers and the quality of the video, even in low connectivity, makes worth watching. The only catch - it works only on Wi-Fi connections.
Appsverse Photon This is another fully featured, powerful browser whose exclusive role is to play Flash content on iPads and iPhones. It plays Flash games, videos, and apps. By combining fast native browsing for normal websites and remote browsing for Flash websites, it allows you to access Flash-based websites on iOS devices.
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Cloud Browse This iOS app from AlwaysOn Technologies allows you to access Flash-based content and applications on iOS devices. Apart from complete video and audio support, it also allows you to play Flash games on an iPad. The app streams a web-based Firefox browser session for the device allowing you to see the web exactly like you access it on a desktop. www.upsidelearning.com
Chapter 3
Tools 3.2 Conversion and Authoring Tools Here are some tools that can help you to mEnable your legacy content and which can also be used to develop new content for tablets. Adobe Edge Animate A multimedia authoring tool that goes beyond Flash and builds applications based on HTML5, Javascript, jQuery, and CSS3 and works well on iOS and Android devices, and the latest HTML5-compatible browsers. Articulate Storyline If you are already using Articulate, this is the best tool to convert your existing (Articulate based) courses to run on iPads, and other tablets and mobile devices. Storyline publishes to three different formats: Flash, HTML5, and iOS for iPad, delivering rich multimedia and interactivity for eLearning on tablets. For iPads, content can be played via Safari browser but for an enhanced experience, you can publish it for Articulate Mobile Player, a native iOS application that optimises courses only for iPads.
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Camtasia Studio 8 To develop interactive training and support videos, or do some flawless screen capturing for tutorials, Camtasia Studio 8 is a good option. You can create interactive videos with clickable links, table of contents, search, embedded quizzes and it supports both Flash and HTML5. You can also add animation to callouts, images, videos, and more. That's a lot but there's more to check out with this tool. Captivate Version 6 Here's a good, low-cost option for quick conversion of your existing Captivatebased projects for tablets. It publishes interactive eLearning content as HTML5 so you can run them on iPads and also features a 'HTML5 tracker' that highlights activities that are not supported on tablets. You can choose to either replace the activity with something your tablet supports or else you will need to drop it. www.upsidelearning.com
Chapter 3
Tools 3.2 Conversion and Authoring Tools We've listed below are some tools that can help you to mEnable your legacy content and which can also be used to develop new content for tablets. Claro
Google Swiffy
With this HTML5 compliant, eLearning authoring tool from 'dominKnow', you can create mobile and tablet compliant content easily. You can use its authoring features and pre-designed layouts, themes, and templates to create engaging and interactive content for tablet devices or smartphones.
Swiffy converts SWF files to HTML5. It allows Flash authors to make their animations available on modern browsers without the need for a plug-in. Apart from supporting many common SWF features such as vector graphics, embedded fonts, images, and timeline animation, it also converts basic ActionScript 2.0 and ActionScript 3.0 code into HTML (though no Flash games yet).
Flash CS6 Toolkit for CreateJS If you are a Flash Pro CS6 user, you can add this extension – Toolkit for CreateJS – that allows rich animation and drawing outputs to be created in Flash and published for HTML. CreateJS targets the HTML5 Canvas element and supports most of the core illustration, animation, HTML5 interactions, and timeline capabilities of Flash Pro.
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Hot Lava Mobile This mobile learning solution from Kenexa allows you to rapidly develop content and deploy it on all popular mobile devices and tablets including iPad, iPhone, Symbian, BlackBerry, Windows, and Android. It uses PowerPoint to develop rich mobile content and also has plug-ins to add surveys, quizzes, assessments, and rich media, such as streaming video, ePubs, and Adobe PDFs. www.upsidelearning.com
Chapter 3
Tools 3.2 Conversion and Authoring Tools Following are some tools that can help you to mEnable your legacy content and which can also be used to develop new content for tablets. iBooks Author
Lectora Inspire
This is a free eBook authoring application by Apple for iPad. You can create textbooks using pre-designed templates featuring a wide variety of page layouts. You can add text and images with easyto-use drag-and-drop feature and use multi-touch widgets to include interactive photo galleries, movies, keynote presentations, 3D objects, and lot more, and publish the eBook.
Lectora enables you to automatically transform your eLearning to HTML5 for mobile delivery, and provides other publishing options including Web (HTML), mobile, and tablet devices. It comes bundled with a suite of multimedia development tools and allows you to publish to the web, mobile, and tablets and CD and DVDs if that's what you need.
Impatica for PowerPoint Version 5
Sencha Animator
Build once and deliver everywhere. Quite true to its tagline, Impatica is a great tool to convert PowerPoint presentations into HTML5 compatible content. With simple drag and drop, you can create engaging, animated and highquality online presentations that will play everywhere – on computers, iPhones, iPads, and other devices.
Sencha Animator is a desktop app to create CSS3 animations for WebKit browsers and touch screen mobile devices. Since CSS3 consistently works across iOS, Android and BlackBerry OS6, this gives Animator projects a big step-up for use on mobile platforms.
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Chapter 3
Tools 3.2 Conversion and Authoring Tools Listed below are some tools that can help you to mEnable your legacy content and which can also be used to develop new content for tablets. mLearning Studio This cloud-based solution from Rapid Intake is an easy-to-use mLearning development solution. Anyone can build mobile learning materials and publish to both HTML5 with cross-platform support for Apple iOS, Android, and Blackberry, as well as PC and Mac browsers. You can upload converted images, audio, and video as well as interactive quizzes and other activities through easy form-based templates. ReadyGo WCB This eLearning and mLearning authoring tool offers full support for HTML5 including ability to run audios and videos without a plug-in. This allows mLearning courses to run on all mobile and tablet devices including, iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile, etc., with a standard web browser. You can
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build four level courses, structured navigation, tests, surveys and even an app for tablets. Maqetta Maqetta is an open-source project that provides What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) visual authoring of HTML5 user interfaces. The Maqetta application itself is authored in HTML, and therefore runs in the browser without requiring additional plug-ins or downloads. It is a designer oriented tool that allows a 'drag and drop' approach to creating interface designs that are 'live' Web applications and are easily extended into the development cycle.
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Chapter 4
The Finish Line 42 of 52
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Chapter 4
The Finish Line 4.1 Top Ten Tips Here are ten tips for you to consider when you think about eLearning on tablets. We believe these tips will help you when transforming existing eLearning content for tablets or designing new content.
dominant device? Look at the other tablets from strong global players, like Microsoft, Samsung, Asus etc. All have competitive and economically priced tablets running Android and Windows OSs which are more open and flexible than Apple's iOS.
1. Build a convincing case Establish the real benefit you will achieve by delivering eLearning on tablets. It could be as simple as solving a problem of access, extending availability “anytime, anywhere� or a more specific benefit targeted at a mobile workforce. If you get this right, the rest will fall in place more easily.
2. Think beyond iPads The iPad created and ruled the tablet market and still continues to do so, but with a projected decline in its sales, will it remain the 43 of 52
3. Think 'Tablet' instead of mobile phone Learning on tablets is fundamentally different as mLearning on mobile phones or even eLearning on PCs and laptops. iPads or tablets are like 'mobile computers' – they combine the best features of mobile phones and computers, providing an opportunity to deliver an unique learning experience. Considering eLearning and eLearning on tablets as separate entities will help you to identify the difference in purpose and benefits that each device offers.
'Tablet' www.upsidelearning.com
Chapter 4
The Finish Line 4.1 Top Ten Tips 4. Start with mEnablement Walk, don't run. Adapting your eLearning for a tablet could be your first step towards going 'Mobile' with learning. Converting legacy content to a tablet-compatible format is a quick and cost effective way to mEnable your learning content. The tablets screen size and display area of 7” to 10”, compares favorably with that of PCs and laptops and therefore content repurposing is quite straight forward and often minimal. Though this might not be construed as true mLearning, this exercise prepares the ground for getting started with the wider adoption and use of this new breed of mobile devices.
5. Evaluate which eLearning needs to be mEnabled While mEnabling your existing eLearning content is a great first step, the euphoria of mEnabling everything in sight 44 of 52
may do more damage than good. It's important to evaluate and choose which of your legacy courseware needs to be converted; one that meets the user need, business context and delivers a valuable learning experience.
6. Focus on the user and the usage User-friendly – Think of situations where users will rely on the tablet and its contents to prepare themselves for a task, perform an activity or simply grab some key information. Needless to say, your learning content should be concise, easy to search and consume, and critically and contextually relevant. Touch-friendly – Exploit the tactile nature of tablet interactivity and make your navigation controls, links, buttons et al, clear, distinct wisely spaced and large enough for the user to tap, and swipe with the least possibility of error.
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Chapter 4
The Finish Line 4.1 Top Ten Tips 7. You don't always need an app Native apps are expensive! Why? Because you need one for (almost) every kind of OS and device out there! So unless you have a very good reason like a processing intensive task, a need to use a specific capability like the camera, or if you want to store data locally for offline accessibility it's advisable to invest in a web-based approach. Not only is it economical, it works across a wide range of devices and platforms. While apps deliver great user experience, the increasing use and capability of HTML5 will deliver a similar experience and will even better it in the near future.
across platforms. But while responsive design provides device/display specific structuring of the content, enabling the content layout to change to the device, size and viewing mode (landscape or portrait) you have to ensure the relevance, type and context of the content, and more importantly the 'point of use' and access. Also consider if some of your learners would want to access the desktop version on their tablets because they find the design and structure easier to navigate.
8. Choose responsive design responsibly In our multi device world, where users often access at least 3 types of devices in a day, responsive design seems like a 'no-brainer' for delivering eLearning 45 of 52
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Chapter 4
The Finish Line 4.1 Top Ten Tips 9. Share, collaborate and compare Research suggests that 79% of tablet usage (in the US) occurs at home as a second screen and mostly for entertainment and browsing. As these devices are increasingly used for email, web browsing, social networking, surfing and watching video, they offer us a unique opportunity to design programmes that use tablet applications and functionality to enable and encourage learners to collaborate and learn from each other. Build opportunities for sharing, comparison and collaboration into your eLearning to encourage and leverage the best practices and capture knowledge.
are a well established security protocol and are not a great concern, but apps that allow the download of material onto the learners' devices can be. So, look for additional measures like screen locks, autotimeouts, password-protected access to the content inside the apps, data encryption, and solutions such as Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM).
10. Halt! Security issues ahead Devising and communicating a clearly outlined mobile security policy for your staff goes a long way in defining the boundaries of good mobile practice and usage. Login protected web-based access to materials 46 of 52
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Chapter 5
Conclusion
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Chapter 5
Conclusion
Equipped to deliver an engaging and on the go learning experience, tablets today are increasingly featuring in L&D strategies of organisations to increase productivity and ease of knowledge access. Helping this rapid uptake are latest development tools, which when compounded with sensible design considerations, help in delivering fresh eLearning on tablets or even 'mEnabling' existing legacy content. eLearning on tablets is not only a step forward towards developing a culture of adoption of new-age technology; but also a lead towards 'real' mobile learning, a workplace transforming learning methodology.
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References
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Fortune 500 Companies Moving to iPad Hits 94% http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/fortune_500_companies_moving_to_ipad_hits_94
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The rise and rise of touchscreens in the workplace http://www.computing.co.uk/ctg/analysis/2198142/the-rise-and-rise-of-touchscreens-in-the-workplace
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What's behind Forrester's bullish forecast of 375 million tablet sales in 2016? http://tabtimes.com/news/ittech-stats-research/2012/04/23/what-behind-forrester-bullish-forecast-375-million-tablet
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Is elearning on tablets really mlearning by R.J. Jacque http://rjacquez.com/is-elearning-on-tablets-really-mobile-learning-chime-in
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The Tablet Proposition by Clark Quinn http://blog.learnlets.com/?p=2851
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Mobile Learning: Delivering Learning In A Connected World. Research report by ASTD http://www.astd.org/Publications/Research-Reports/2012/2012-Mobile-Learning-Delivering-Learning-in-a-Connected-World
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Are You Meeting All Five Moments of Learning Need? by Conrad Gottfredson, Bob Mosher http://www.learningsolutionsmag.com/articles/949/are-you-meeting-all-five-moments-of-learning-need
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Learning Everywhere: How Mobile Content Strategies are Transforming Training by Chad Udell http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Everywhere-Strategies-Transforming-Training/dp/1605440175
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Designing mLearning: Tapping into the Mobile Revolution for Organisational Performance by Clark Quinn http://www.amazon.com/Designing-mLearning-Revolution-Organizational-Performance/dp/0470604484
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The New Multi-Screen World Study by Google http://www.google.com/think/research-studies/the-new-multi-screen-world-study.html
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Hybrid vs. Native vs. Mobile web comparison chart by Joe Stangarone on mrc's Cup of Joe Blog http://www.mrc-productivity.com/blog/2012/03/hybrid-vs-native-vs-mobile-web-comparison-chart/
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The Latest Infographics: Mobile Business Statistics For 2012 http://www.forbes.com/sites/markfidelman/2012/05/02/the-latest-infographics-mobile-business-statistics-for-2012/ 49 of 52
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References
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Converting ELearning To Tablet Learning: Cost-effective Solutions by Sonal Sheth on Upside Learning Blog http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/2012/10/11/converting-elearning-to-tablet-learning-cost-effective-solutions/
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Tablet Learning – Neither Mobile Learning Nor eLearning by Amit Garg on Upside Learning Blog http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/2011/11/29/tablet-learning-neither-mobile-learning-nor-elearning/
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The Question Of Why (Not) eLearning On iPads Or Tablets? by Amit Garg on Upside Learning Blog http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/2013/02/19/the-question-of-why-not-elearning-on-ipads-or-tablets/
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Some Thoughts On Tablet Learning (aka Elearning On iPads) by Amit Garg on Upside Learning Blog http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/2012/10/09/some-thoughts-on-tablet-learning-aka-elearning-on-ipads/
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How To mEnable Your eLearning by Amit Garg on Upside Learning Blog http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/tag/elearning-to-tablets/
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15 Authoring Tools For mEnabling Your eLearning For iPads by Alan Samuel on Upside Learning Blog http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/2013/01/30/15-authoring-tools-for-menabling-your-elearning-for-ipads/
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Have You mEnabled Your eLearning For iPads? by Alan Samuel on Upside Learning Blog http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/2013/01/22/have-you-menabled-your-elearning-for-ipads/
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So…How Do You Build eLearning For iPads? by Alan Samuel on Upside Learning Blog http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/2013/01/23/so-how-do-you-build-elearning-for-ipads/
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eLearning on iPads - 10 Bright Ideas. Presentation on Upside Learning website http://www.upsidelearning.com/presentation-elearning-on-ipads-10-bright-ideas.asp
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Designing eLearning for iPads (Tablets). Webinar by Amit Garg http://www.upsidelearning.com/webinar-designing-elearning-for-ipads-tablets.asp
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Learning On Tablets At Emirates Airlines by Abhijit Kadle on Upside Learning Blog http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/2012/12/05/learning-on-tablets-at-emirates-airlines/
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About The Authors
Amit Garg
Abhijit Kadle
Founder & Director – Custom Learning Solutions
AVP – Learning Design
Amit Garg is the driving force and the 'ideas man' at Upside Learning. He is constantly looking at ways to include newer solutions in Upside Learning's portfolio to help deliver better solutions to our customers. In his 15 years of work life, Amit has played a rich variety of roles as an Engineer in a fertiliser plant (CFCL), Logistics Executive in an automobile company (Maruti), Sales Manager at General Motors India, and has been the Head of Custom eLearning at another eLearning company in India.
Abhijit Kadle plays a key role in guiding the Instructional Design team at Upside Learning and is a prominent member of the Innovation team. He has over 15 years of experience in multimedia technology and design. His interests ranges from learning psychology, media, communication, the design of user experience and interaction, to genetics, evolutionary biology, biochemistry, engineering, technology, and computing. In another avatar, Abhijit is a doting father, cook, rides a bicycle and is a Lego geek.
amitgarg@upsidelearning.com
abhijit.kadle@upsidelearning.com
twitter.com/gargamit100
twitter.com/abhijitkadle
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About Upside Learning
Established in 2004, Upside Learning is one of the leading names in Custom Learning Solutions, including Custom eLearning Development and Mobile Learning Solutions, and Learning Management Systems, the world over. With a collective experience of 600+ person-years, it has successfully completed more than 300 corporate and academic projects for over 150 clients worldwide. Upside Learning has been consistently picking up awards and other recognition every year and today, it boasts of 30+ such awards and recognitions received from renowned bodies in eLearning and technology. These include Brandon Hall Research, Training Industry, Chief Learning Officer (CLO), Deloitte, Red Herring, APEX to name a few. Learn More: www.upsidelearning.com
info@upsidelearning.com twitter.com/UpsideLearning facebook.com/UpsideLearning linkedin.com/companies/upside-learning-solutions-pvt.-ltd. slideshare.net/UpsideLearning
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