As we apply our platform across marketing, entertainment and mLearning — We learn a bit about User Behavior and what works, and what doesn’t, in different applications and markets.

With our http://ESLai.com initiative in full-swing, we’re looking at mobile and mobile learning endeavors and evaluating user interaction, value and the place of mLearning within the matrix of analogue and digital learning materials and Learning Experiences.

Here are some thoughts on the mLearning front…

Interesting take-aways from the @mobileportland “Mobile+Education” night.

Panel = Higher Education, Elementary School + Business participants.

From the Elementary side: great success at 3rd Grade level in introducing mobile learning.  And, from the business point-of-view, great enthusiasm for converting analogue materials to interactive/digital materials.  But, at the College level, the results are not so great.  Learning was not enhanced by utilizing mobile tools.

The obvious question is:  Will those 3rd Graders who spend a larger and larger percentage of their day with mobile and digital learning materials be capable of University level studies in 10 years?  Will they even be able to complete a complex narrative Application to stand a chance at Admissions?

Basically, will extended, linear studies and cognitive processes (i.e. reading a book or writing a paper) be adversely impacted through digital learning — and mobile in particular?

No one knows.  It’s too early to have a good handle on this.

But, it seems that mobile and digital learning tools need to complement, not take-over, traditional analogue learning.  The new tools should drive passion and interest in deepening learning and knowledge vis a vis traditional materials (books and papers).

Creating a better Kindle or iPad will not necessarily create smarter or more articulate students.

Or, will education be dumbed-down to fit the medium?  Will new grading curves be introduced to account for student’s inabilities to engage with extended, linear analogue materials?

The analogy I’m struck with is to Filmed Entertainment, and editing.  Where Audiences today are “lost” if they aren’t fed “quick cuts.”  They can’t stick with a scene unless you constantly ping them through edits.  They fall asleep.

As we engage in the creation of mLearning tools — I’d like to think that our focus should be on creating complementary tools that encourage engagement and passion, yet are a stepping stone to deeper learning experiences that only Teachers and traditional written materials afford.