Remains that this initiative raises many questions

A few free minutes between two aircraft, in train or pending an appointment Why not take the opportunity to form, or even to a degree, using his mobile phone or its "smartphone" Learn accounting, the use of a language, the management of the company or the installation of a carpet: everything is possible, or almost. Except that, to date, education was poor parent on this type of tool. On some 80,000 applications for iPhone and iPod that announces Apple, a handful only have an educational vocation.

Precisely in this area, things move. The IAE of Caen has thus launched a training module management on iPhone. A first in France. Entitled "Methods of problem solving", it passes in review the main techniques used to identify and resolve the difficulties of all kinds (managerial, technical...) in the business. Intended for intermediate and higher minimum level frameworks bac 3, it is since a few days marketed on the Apple Store at a price of 4.99 euros TTC. It is compatible with the DIF (individual right to training).

This module proposes a varied menu: short videos of presentation, media course (texts established page, audio sequences...), exercises and quizzes, video case studies, assessments... There is also a glossary, a library, access to a forum... "Nothing to do with the simple online writing course, said Albéric Teillier, Director of the AEI. We have wished to offer the greatest possible variety and give a wide place Visual Tools, to offer a really attractive program. "The module also uses the capabilities of the iPhone and iPod: touch screen, check answers, scroll through the pages... In total, it represents approximately three and a half hours of instruction if it goes through in its entirety. It was modelled by Ingenium, the technical partner of the IAE.

A model to invent

The IAE of Caen, it is true, is not in its distance education and e-learning test run. More than ten years, it offers several course provided entirely or remote partially: capacity management, two masters and a licence. All concerns about 500 students, out of a total of 2,000. The IAE is particularly present in Africa, where there are several hundreds of students in different countries.

"We now have the experience of the design of"bricks"of training, about three hours and a half each, explains Albéric Teillier.". This is why we wanted to go after the logic, using the iPhone and the iPod. Many people would be willing to spend a little time to study during their week of work - for example in transit. Some would be ready to take a course on a phone or a portable music player. Wi - Fi is now present everywhere. I am satisfied that there is a demand, still very limited, but real.

Remains that this initiative raises many questions. Is there a market What economic model adopted How to ensure, if profitability, at least a minimum of revenue to fund this type of program "For the moment, we are in the experimental phase, recognizes the head." We first test the market. "If successful, the IAE plans to launch other modules, at a rate of about one per month, that can be used separately or as part of a degree. By a year, a catalogue of 15 to 20 modules could see the day. If the cost of production is not negligible, the IAE may rely on its courses in e-learning to achieve economies of scale.

These modules could also be declined on different tools: "smartphone" or PC. E-book might also offer opportunities. This is not all: the IAE of Caen is also working on the virtual universe. Simple coup trial or initiation of vast changes to the training Response in the coming months.