GSMA 2012 Global Mobile Awards Announced - Congratulations to OnPoint Digital!

The GSMA Global Mobile Awards were announced this week. I'd like to congratulate Robert Gadd and the OnPoint Digital team for their award.

Best Mobile Innovation for Education or Learning

Winner: OnPoint Digital - CellCast Solution

You can read more from one of the judges, Judy Brown, at her blog mLearnopedia.
See the full list of winners at the Mobile World Congress site HERE. 
Be sure to visit OnPoint at mLearnCon this June and see their winning solution for yourself.

Augmented Reality - Using Junaio in the British Museum

The Junaio blog posted this today... Learning with Junaio, Samsung and British Museum.

The first thing that struck me was that Museums seem to be perfect for this technology. The next thing that hit me was why this hasn't been created for the Freedom Trail in Boston. Can someone PLEASE get that project done. Its BEGGING for augmented reality with Junaio.

Okay, so I got that off my chest...

In all seriousness, I'm a fan of augmented reality and I see the possibilities. BUT it also still feels like the shiny new gadget syndrome is fresh with this app. Unless the experience is something more spectacular than words, and pictures in a layer on the image of what the camera is displaying, I don't give it much hope of surviving.

I want to see video layered on top of whatever it is that I'm pointing the camera at. Let's say I'm looking at a history building. I want to be taken back in time and see a video of a reenactment of that scene. Even if its just a few people walking by the building in historical garments or what have you. Its all about creating a new sense of context for the viewer. If its just "additional information", I'm certain a mobile web app would work just fine. Or, for that matter, a old school paper-based brochure would be lovely.

But even beyond the augmenting of reality I'm anxious to see learning design incorporated into the technology. I'm not sure that just adding more information using this technology qualifies as something more than performance support. And that's okay. But I'm anxious to see instruction tied into it.

The eLearning Guild releases Mobile Learning Report in time for mLearnCon

The eLearning Guild announced the release of this years research report on mobile learning titled, Mobile Learning: Landscape and Trends.

Paid Guild members can download the report HERE.

Dr. Clark Quinn has done an excellent job of distilling the most important information about mobile learning into a readable research report. The Guild's survey of its members regarding mobile device usage has some great data points to consider.

For example: The number one stated barrier to implementing mLearning is that its "Hard to integrate with our enterprise tools". Security issues and a Lack of Standards also topped the list of barriers.

Its also interesting to see that the percentage of organizations planning to "Do More mLearning" has increased from 38.5% in 2007 to 51% in 2011. That may not seem like much, but I expect the number to grow significantly over the next 4+ years.

So, get the report and read it for yourself. Then you'll be more than prepared to engage the thought leadership represented at mLearnCon this June. Plan your mobile learning strategy at the event and chat with Dr. Quinn to get his advice on your plans. You can also follow him on twitter @quinnovator

Prepping for Learning Solutions 2011 - Step 1: Download App

iTunes App Link
For all instructions, video, and downloads go to this link. The Learning Solutions 2011 app is powered by ATIV software's Event Plus. Maneuvering the hectic world of conferences and expos has NEVER been easier. Functions include:

• Access up-to-the minute session and event updates in the dynamic Now tab
• Plan your day and build your own personalized schedule (for native apps)
• Browse or search the interactive Program, Speaker and Expo guides
• Find your way easily using Maps with an animated location pin
• Stay organized by creating custom notes and thumbs up ratings
• Easily share contact info with other attendees using Bump or QR codes
• Follow the #ls2011 discussions with the integrated Twitter feed
• View and share slides (for native apps)
• Save time after the event and email all event notes in a comprehensive report

If you ever needed a reason to upgrade to a smart phone, this is it! So, if you're headed to Orlando next week and you have an iPhone, or iPad, or Blackberry, or Android device, your job one is installing this app.
Let me know what you think? What would you like to see the app do next year? Your suggestions are more than appreciated.