“i” have been touched!

I am watching 10 yro’s with new iTouches and must admit that this beats being able to thread a 16mm Graflex (another day’s story) especially as I observed a clothing discussion that turned to checking the weather to make the best choice!  I admit, I was a tad resistant until I read of the speech recognition tool being used as a personal reading coach, not only reading to the learner but listening to the learner and providing feedback and assistance.  I was also surprised to see this as a tool for the trainer/educator however that changed as I read the helpful Top 50 Educator Apps (for both iPhone and iTouch) list and then saw the 20 Fantastic free Apps for Parents . 

Nike uses the iTouch for its Sports Knowledge Underground training program with amazing results, “66% of the sales associates experienced an increase in personal sales” and in the same paper notes how another company is now delivering competency development programs and performance appraisals to a remote and mobile workforce.  I look at the cost and ease of storage, mobility, and functionality as reasons to include this type of tool as a part of our lifestyle.  Have 10 minutes to waiting, let’s play a math game, not sure what that word means, let’s look it up right now.

Judith Brown has a quick read (Can you Hear Me Now?) where a sidebar looks at beginning a conversation by asking when is it appropriate to be mobile.  I think, as I watch clothing choices being explored via You-Tube examples now that we know what the weather is going to be, that we are a location based, context oriented society and any tool that will help me learn, live, and enjoy the time and place I happen to be at then it is all good.  Now, I wonder if they will teach me how to use all those apps…..