Innovation in Workplace and Language Training

Abstract

The need for studies on learning via mobile device, particularly how workplace and language training might be conducted, grows in importance as more and more people become mobile device users.The Athabasca University (AU) Library has initiated a mobile workplace English project to explore the effectiveness of mobile devices such as the Iphone in delivering interactive and multimedia content for thedevelopment of language and workplace skills for workers. It is an extension of a previous CNIE award winning project that applied text‐based materials to mobile technology for delivery of Englishgrammar lessons for ESL learners. The mobile workplace English project develops and tests innovativeapproaches to workplace language training using mobile devices in a variety of learning contexts. Students are able to access learning resources, in interactive module formats with multimedia rich content(such as text, audio, and video) on demand, with the goal of increasing their motivation and interest while facilitating self‐directed study. The project supports research on how one‐to‐one mobile computing can improve language learning and workplace skills development, promote innovative professional practices and life‐long learning. The presentation discusses the design, implementation and evaluation of the project. Benefits, opportunity and challenges of mobile workplace training will also be presented.