M-learning, or "mobile learning", now commonly abbreviated to "mLearning", has different meanings for different communities. Although related to e-learning and distance education, it is distinct in its focus on learning across contexts and learning with mobile devices. One definition of mobile learning is: Learning that happens across locations, or that takes advantage of learning opportunities offered by portable technologies. In other words, mobile learning decreases limitation of learning location with the mobility of general portable devices.
The future of learning may reside in the mobility of learning. Already schools are allowing laptops in the classroom for notetaking and research. Is it possible that educators will soon allow hand-held devices as well? Homework assignments and syllabus's sent out as a text message to a student's phone?
Or, might it be possible to make learning more portable, allowing a sales representative to take performance-based mastery with them in the car and "study up" before that big sales meeting? The HealthCare industry has been considering large investments in this idea for years, particularly in pharmaceutical sales, where complete knowledge of drug effectiveness and treatment application must be memorized before that "big call" with a prescribing physician.
To have not only facts, but the ability for quick learning at a person's fingertips may take us into the next realm of interaction.
Friday, September 19, 2008
How Did We Get to Web 2.0?
We often get questions about the various stages of the Internet's evolutions. Well, I did a little research and found some information about the maturity stages of the web. Enjoy...
The first generation, more than a decade ago, was just flat web pages that displayed information. In fact, there are still scores of these one dimensional sites alive and well on the Internet today.
The second generation added the ability to complete transactions online, especially buying and selling. That was the dotcom boom. (Which led to the dotcom bust, but we won't go into that now.)
The third generation is the one usually called Web 2.0, and it includes blogs, wikis, Facebook, and other social-networking sites. It’s the social web; the era of user-generated content. In Web 2.0, the power has shifted from site owners to site users.
The problem with the social web: It doesn’t generate a lot of wealth. By comparison, the dotcom web generated a great deal of wealth. But there really aren’t a lot of Web 2.0 millionaires.
Moreover, many social websites just aren’t useful. Or, they haven’t demonstrated their usefulness just yet. Marketers are trying to tap into the power of Web 2.0, but success is hard to measure.
Stay tuned for the next stage of web evolution...
The first generation, more than a decade ago, was just flat web pages that displayed information. In fact, there are still scores of these one dimensional sites alive and well on the Internet today.
The second generation added the ability to complete transactions online, especially buying and selling. That was the dotcom boom. (Which led to the dotcom bust, but we won't go into that now.)
The third generation is the one usually called Web 2.0, and it includes blogs, wikis, Facebook, and other social-networking sites. It’s the social web; the era of user-generated content. In Web 2.0, the power has shifted from site owners to site users.
The problem with the social web: It doesn’t generate a lot of wealth. By comparison, the dotcom web generated a great deal of wealth. But there really aren’t a lot of Web 2.0 millionaires.
Moreover, many social websites just aren’t useful. Or, they haven’t demonstrated their usefulness just yet. Marketers are trying to tap into the power of Web 2.0, but success is hard to measure.
Stay tuned for the next stage of web evolution...
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The WMAs – Sort of Like the VMAs for Websites
It’s that time of year again. The time when the Web Marketing Association (WMA) hands out their 2008 WebAwards. This is a pretty big deal because when web design and development firms want to measure their work, they turn to the WMA – the organization that sets the standard for Internet marketing and web development. This is also a big deal for us at Azavar.
The annual WebAward Competition is the premier showcase for website development. Each year, the WMA declares the best website in each of its 96 industry categories. This year, we secured several awards from WMA’s annual WebAward Competition including Best Design Website for our work on Justyna Collections Catalog.
“This is a nice use of flash: quick image downloads and access to additional information,” said one anonymous judge of the Justyna site. “This site is a lesson in ‘less is more’ and does its job of showcasing its wares.”
In addition to winning Best Design Website for Justyna Collections Catalog, Azavar also won five Standard of Excellence Awards for Universal Building Products, MacNeal Physicians Group, Lind-Waldock Financial Futures Brokers, 1-800-Translate, and Mico Designs Corporate website.
"I like the framework of the site,” another judge said about Mico Designs’ website. “It's self contained and has a smart use of color.”
To secure these rather prestigious awards, the sites had to score above average in their respective industries. Azavar beat out nominations from interactive agencies and website marketing departments in more than 47 countries from around the world.
The annual WebAward Competition is the premier showcase for website development. Each year, the WMA declares the best website in each of its 96 industry categories. This year, we secured several awards from WMA’s annual WebAward Competition including Best Design Website for our work on Justyna Collections Catalog.
“This is a nice use of flash: quick image downloads and access to additional information,” said one anonymous judge of the Justyna site. “This site is a lesson in ‘less is more’ and does its job of showcasing its wares.”
In addition to winning Best Design Website for Justyna Collections Catalog, Azavar also won five Standard of Excellence Awards for Universal Building Products, MacNeal Physicians Group, Lind-Waldock Financial Futures Brokers, 1-800-Translate, and Mico Designs Corporate website.
"I like the framework of the site,” another judge said about Mico Designs’ website. “It's self contained and has a smart use of color.”
To secure these rather prestigious awards, the sites had to score above average in their respective industries. Azavar beat out nominations from interactive agencies and website marketing departments in more than 47 countries from around the world.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Open Source Software Versus Boxed Software
When web developers need to create new software quickly, they typically choose between open source software (OSS) and commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS). Both types of software allow for efficient web development, but which is better for which projects?
I think we should take a look…
Opens Source Software (OSS)
In open source software, all users are treated like co-developers and have access to the source code of the software – anyone can make a new version of the software, port it to new operating systems and architectures, share it, or market it.
Most open source projects are free, but developers still invest time searching for the appropriate OSS and modifying it for their company. And since OSS is developed in a public, collaborative way, it’s hard to determine who is liable for mistakes. That’s why most developers use OSS for small, single-function projects.
Commercial Off-the-Shelf Software (COTS)
On the other side of the coin, instead of sharing free software web developers can purchase off-the-shelf software. The most important advantage of boxed software is vendor support – if something goes wrong, developers have a dedicated support organization, making COTS ideal for larger projects.
Unfortunately, developers face functionality constraints because they don’t have access to COTS source code – they can’t tailor the software to specifically suit their company. Plus they can’t control upgrades or maintenance.
Since both types of software have clear advantages and disadvantages, it’s really up to companies to make the call. They need to look at the size, cost, and necessary level of support for the project before choosing which software is best: open source or off-the-shelf.
I think we should take a look…
Opens Source Software (OSS)
In open source software, all users are treated like co-developers and have access to the source code of the software – anyone can make a new version of the software, port it to new operating systems and architectures, share it, or market it.
Most open source projects are free, but developers still invest time searching for the appropriate OSS and modifying it for their company. And since OSS is developed in a public, collaborative way, it’s hard to determine who is liable for mistakes. That’s why most developers use OSS for small, single-function projects.
Commercial Off-the-Shelf Software (COTS)
On the other side of the coin, instead of sharing free software web developers can purchase off-the-shelf software. The most important advantage of boxed software is vendor support – if something goes wrong, developers have a dedicated support organization, making COTS ideal for larger projects.
Unfortunately, developers face functionality constraints because they don’t have access to COTS source code – they can’t tailor the software to specifically suit their company. Plus they can’t control upgrades or maintenance.
Since both types of software have clear advantages and disadvantages, it’s really up to companies to make the call. They need to look at the size, cost, and necessary level of support for the project before choosing which software is best: open source or off-the-shelf.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Companies Save Big with Adobe Connect
You’ve probably heard of Adobe Connect Pro – the software from Adobe that delivers engaging web conferences and interactive eLearning. But do you know all the ways this recession-friendly software can save you money?
Let me break it down...
No Additional Software to Purchase
Adobe Connect Pro is deployed using the Adobe Flash Player, already installed on more than 98% of Internet connected PCs worldwide. That means your team, clients, vendors, partners, and sales prospects can connect instantly without downloading new software – regardless of their operating system or browser versions.
Reduce Travel Expenses
Forget paying for flights, rental cars, and hotels – use Adobe Presenter to cost-effectively close more deals right from your office. Interactive features like whiteboards, videoconferencing, and chat capabilities make online sales presentations as effective as face-to-face meetings.
Stretch Your Marketing Budget
Drive prospects to engaging Adobe Presenter presentations instead of linking to static landing pages. Plus, embedded surveys generate instant feedback and secure qualified leads.
Save Money for Your Clients
Your clients can meet with you whenever they want without spending a dime on travel or communication expenses. Simply by clicking on a URL, your clients can convene in customized, branded online meeting rooms to touch base with you about their projects.
Companies -- both large and small -- should take a long look at this tool as a great way to save a little green as we head into the holiday season.
Let me break it down...
No Additional Software to Purchase
Adobe Connect Pro is deployed using the Adobe Flash Player, already installed on more than 98% of Internet connected PCs worldwide. That means your team, clients, vendors, partners, and sales prospects can connect instantly without downloading new software – regardless of their operating system or browser versions.
Reduce Travel Expenses
Forget paying for flights, rental cars, and hotels – use Adobe Presenter to cost-effectively close more deals right from your office. Interactive features like whiteboards, videoconferencing, and chat capabilities make online sales presentations as effective as face-to-face meetings.
Stretch Your Marketing Budget
Drive prospects to engaging Adobe Presenter presentations instead of linking to static landing pages. Plus, embedded surveys generate instant feedback and secure qualified leads.
Save Money for Your Clients
Your clients can meet with you whenever they want without spending a dime on travel or communication expenses. Simply by clicking on a URL, your clients can convene in customized, branded online meeting rooms to touch base with you about their projects.
Companies -- both large and small -- should take a long look at this tool as a great way to save a little green as we head into the holiday season.
Azavar Gets Certified by SEMPO
,As search marketing grows into a critical marketing tool, Azavar turned to the Search Engine Marketing Professionals Organization (SEMPO) to keep their edge over competitors.
Thanks to their training from SEMPO Institute, Azavar’s Emily Aleisa and Erin Hupp are now search engine marketing experts – they even have the certification to prove it. So what does that mean for Azavar?
Azavar knows the online marketing industry is quickly becoming an integral part of every business’ marketing efforts. Between now and 2011, search marketing is expected to double. With expertly trained search marketing professionals on staff, Azavar can offer its clients cutting-edge services that improve their rankings and boost their branding.
This summer, Aleisa and Hupp studied search engine marketing from the SEMPO Institute. With the certification they received, Aleisa and Hupp are now armed with the knowledge to maximize search engine marketing potential, quantify its value, and track the industry trends.
Since Aleisa is Azavar’s on-staff web content writer and Hupp is a graphic designer, Azavar’s online marketing services encompass all aspects of search marketing – from copywriting to design.
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