It may seem like it has been around forever, but many people would be surprised to discover that the iPad is not even 5 years old. Introduced in 2010, the iPad, and subsequent tablet technology developed by other companies, has evolved from a groundbreaking novelty to a standard device owned and enjoyed by millions of users. And tablets are superseding their original entertainment and recreation value by increasingly becoming indispensable tools for businesses.
Tablet training—using an iPad or Surface to teach employees the skills they need to do their jobs—took giant steps in 2014. More companies are realizing the potential of this approach to increase eLearning retention, boost productivity, and save money. Here are some ways tablet training evolved in the past year:
Tablets Everywhere
From a corporate technological standpoint, 2014 might be the year in which tablets invaded every place. In the retail sector, associates are increasingly using the iPad to check inventory, look up product features, or access customer information—functions that employees previously would perform on a computer behind a counter. Some stores are even replacing dedicated cash registers with tablets. Besides improving efficiency, the major takeaway from this development is that workers are more comfortable using an iPad or similar device in their everyday jobs. This comfort is carrying over into tablet training—eventually, employees will just expect to learn on an iPad or Surface rather than with other methods.
New Devices
Apple introduced the iPad Air 2, which is thinner yet more powerful than its predecessors. Though the capabilities of this new device are impressive, any technology update usually means the previous versions become less expensive—and those previous iPads are still great options to incorporate into tablet training. This year also saw smartphones with giant screens become more popular. Boosted by the unveiling of Apple’s iPhone 6 Plus, these “phablets” are significant because training software can now be accessed by employees’ personal devices and not require squinting to view.
More Video
In 2014, training departments continued to turn to video to teach their employees. Companies are realizing that visual images bring a more powerful impact to eLearning, and tablet training is facilitating this evolution. Instead of employees reading binders of training materials (and, often, poorly absorbing the information they are supposed to be mastering), video content streamlines and strengthens the learning process. Workers prefer video because it’s less boring and more convenient; companies love it because it’s more effective.
Better Collaboration
Many organizations are accepting and embracing the notion that collaboration during training initiatives ultimately improves the quality of the training. Employees feel empowered to ask questions and create best practices, while managers and execs gain valuable insight on the success or failure of the procedures they have worked hard to develop. Tablet training is now facilitating this collaboration. Conversations can take place via the iPad, directly instead of requiring multiple emails and the “proper” channels. As much as this ability to collaborate grew in 2014, it will continue to expand in 2015 as tablet training takes an even greater hold.
How did tablet training help your company in 2014?
