Qualification of Top and Middle Managers in Special M(obile)-Learning Scenarios

Abstract

A well trained and well motivated management is important to gain competitive advantages. Currently the need for learning and self qualification is continuously increasing. Usually, permanent dramatic changes to companies’ environments are the reason, e. g. globalization or E-Business. Never before, changes have evolved so rapidly, discontinuously and nonlinearly. But often managers are short of time and cannot take part in conventional learning scenarios like courses, qualification seminars or conferences. A possible solution are specialized M(obile)-Learning scenarios which combine the E-Learning advantages with the mobility and flexibility of Smartphones and PDAs. Since fall 2002 the U(biquitous)-Learning system UbiLearn is developed at the Institut für Wirtschaftsinformatik, Universität Hannover. Its mobile module — called UbiLearn 0.2 Mobile — runs as a prototype since winter 2004. It has been used by undergraduate and graduate students of Business Administration and Information Systems. UbiLearn 0.2 Mobile supports blended learning and tutoring with different types of exercises and tests, e. g. text based questions and single/multiple choice questions. Multimedia attachments, e. g. figures and (animated) pictures, slides, audio or video files, can be used for both questions and solutions. Answers are evaluated automatically. Currently research focuses on the UbiLearn 0.2 Mobile development to support management learning and qualification scenarios. A content and technologies development process meets top and middle managers’ special expectations.