Patrick Billingsley: Mobile Learning: A SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis of mobile learning from Upside Learning:

Strengths

No longer just a buzzword or science fiction.
Practical, affordable devices available that enable learning on mobile.
Devices are getting faster and better, with increasing memory and storage capacity.
One of the most relevant tools (currently) for performance support.
Internet connectivity on phones not restricted to WiFi alone. Options like EDGE, 3G, 4G and even WAP exist. SMS and Voice can also be used for learning tools on mobile.
Development platforms for mobile are easy-to-use and do not involve most of the complications associated with desktop or system software.
Both ‘Push’ and ‘Pull’ strategies can be mixed for best results.

Myriad number of operating platforms, device types and variations in supported technologies make it difficult (and at times impractical) to create a unified solution which works well across the board.
Still fast moving in terms of technologies making it challenging to keep up both at consumer’s end and at the vendor’s end.
While the development platforms and tools are easy-to-use, using such tools to design effective learning solutions is another matter altogether. It requires a skill-set that includes instructional and media design competencies for mobile device, and interface & user experience design skills.
Concerns still revolve around basic device security and data security. Lack of common standards for mobiles adds to the confusion.
Lack of tools to create engaging mobile learning content due to lack of Flash.

One of the best ways to offer quick, real-time, on-demand performance support. More than pushing training on to a mobile device, designing mobile performance support solutions would be the greatest opportunity.
Front end or middle layer for the LMS. This allows enterprises to extend a part of the LMS environment on to the mobile devices thus allowing an integrated approach. This covers traditional training components – training schedule, notifications, performance support – and even social learning and collaboration components – friends sharing content (even generating content like photo and video using the mobile device).

Early stage technology curve.
Lack of standards for learning on mobile, and even general use of technology on mobiles.
Lack of vendor focus. Not many vendors have been able to innovate and come up with relevant solutions. Vendor mindsets may still be revolving around LMS, PMS, etc.
Multiple platforms and varied technical frameworks. Adds to complexity in terms of design and development, especially when the need is to build native apps which can utilise the true potential of the mobile platform.