are formal learning experiences that are best delivered in a class-
room or a longer-duration e-learning model, there are many
instances when we want to deliver knowledge right to the worker.
Over the next few years, we will see an evolution of the elec-
tronics of learning. This means that learning and knowledge
will flow to a wider range of non-PC devices. Here are just a few
examples:
Point-of-sale knowledge.Manufacturers of cash registers are start-
ing to build in the capacity to deliver e-learning to the worker, in
between customer interactions. In this example, imagine if Wal-Mart
could send that video alert to the cash registers in the electronics
department. A light might come on when a critical piece of learning
was available, and an associate who was not serving a customer could
display it right on the point-of-sale register screen.
Mobile device convergence. Mobile telephones are rapidly
converging with other devices, including digital cameras, video dis-
plays, and pocket PCs. Add wireless connectivity within the store,
and you can imagine the ability to reach employees right on their
belt-based phone device. These devices might even indicate the
location of the associate who is nearest to the boxes that need to be
altered.
Smart displays.Currently, we think of a computer display as
linked to a specific computer. However, soon the displays will be
seen as wireless and wired aspects of the network. This means that
we can deliver knowledge to a wide range of monitors and displays
located in a store or other work setting. A store associate might be
notified about the need to open that box and might select a gas
plasma screen in the electronics department to display a quick tuto-
rial on how to alter the box.
In-ear coaching.This might make some readers uneasy, but I can
imagine providing each worker with a small wireless earpiece that
combines microphone and headset speaker. A coach at headquar-
ters would have the ability to use verbal knowledge dissemination
to the appropriate employee in every store.
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