Video Arts launches world's first Video-rich mobile learning programmes

Video Arts, the learning content provider, has created the world’s first video-rich, m-learning programmes for BlackBerry and Apple (iPhone, iPad and iPod touch) devices.
Renowned for producing award-winning training videos and e-learning courses, Video Arts has created 20 m-learning versions of its best-selling titles. These provide an essential toolkit of management skills including coaching, selling, behavioural interviewing, customer service, delivering presentations, conducting appraisals, time management, assertiveness, counselling and managing meetings.
Each programme brings to life key learning points using ‘bite-sized’ video clips, with famous faces such as Hugh Laurie, Dawn French and James Nesbitt playing memorable characters. The two – three minute clips include ‘wrong-way, right-way’ scenarios that demonstrate different skills, behaviours and techniques, as well as summaries and strategies for success. These are supported by practical tips and reminders to help with action planning. Designed specifically for mobile devices and for on-the-move learning, the programmes can be used as standalone resources or to reinforce the messages from classroom training or e-learning.
“Our new m-learning programmes use video clips to create relevant and effective learning for all levels of staff,” said Martin Addison, CEO of Video Arts. “Video has long been used to stimulate, engage and entertain learners and it is particularly well suited for mobile delivery. With these programmes, organisations can now provide affordable on-the-job support or refresher training at the point of need. In total, the programmes contain up to 30 minutes of content but learners can dip in and out of the bite-sized clips for just-in-time learning, as required. Essentially, we’re offering a quick and convenient way for employees to get the training they need, anywhere and anytime.”
Using a platform developed by Hubflow, a specialist supplier of mobile content management systems, Video Arts administers and monitors all learning. This allows L&D teams to offer different m-learning programmes to different groups of learners, for example the sales team or the customer service team. All learning undertaken is tracked and regular usage reports are provided.
To cover the hosting, administration, reporting and support services, organisations pay an annual platform fee. They then ‘pay-per-download’ for each programme used, with individual programme prices starting at £2.25. The programmes can be customised to include corporate branding as well as interactive exercises and assessments.
“Our research shows that the adoption rates for mobile learning are accelerating, although many potential users are concerned about the costs involved,” said Martin Addison. “With our system, organisations can have all the benefits of m-learning without any additional technology investment. Learners will appreciate the fact that our programmes are very easy to use and that humour is included to support the learning.”
Learners initially download a single Video Arts m-learning app, which is the gateway to their selected programmes. There is no time limit for using the m-learning. The programmes can be accessed repeatedly for as long as the organisation holds a licence for the platform.
Video Arts plans to release another 40 m-learning programmes before the end of the year. M-learning programmes for Android devices will be available in 2012.
Background notes: The m-learning programmes now available are: 30 ways to make more time; Assert yourself; Behavioural interviewing; Coaching: Pass it on; Demanding customers; Essentials for managing performance; Going to a meeting: meeting menaces; Going to a meeting: messing up a meeting; Ideas into action; If looks could kill; Inside information; Jamie’s kitchen: leadership; Jamie’s kitchen: teamwork; Jamie’s school dinners: managing change; Managing performance every day; The power of behaviour; Interviews: absenteeism and counselling; Performance review: manager’s nightmare; Presentation is everything; The art of selling; The balance sheet barrier, and The ultimate stress show.
Video Arts (videoarts.com) has been the UK’s leading provider of video-based learning since 1972, when it was founded by John Cleese and Sir Antony Jay, who wrote the Yes, Minister TV series. Part of the Tinopolis group, it has won over 200 awards for its learning content.