Social media and mobile technology, coupled with an increasing demand for performance-based learning are influencing learner behavior. As far as social networking and collaborative learning are concerned, the role of mobile devices as primary tools for active learning acquires special relevance. Thus, mobile learning in a social & collaborative environment is characterized by connected workers across the globe, besides the availability of social networking platforms, access to expertise, ability to access, create, and share content freely. Organizations are increasingly looking at mobile devices for their learning and development activities with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) assuming an important role and emerging as a cost-effective solution. In addition, developing customized mobile apps that help access learning content while on-the-go, and contain collaborative elements has emerged as another crucial trend. With vast experience in building mobile-based learning solutions across product formats and verticals, and, capabilities to develop mobile learning programs for almost any modern platform, Tata Interactive Systems (TIS) has kept one eye on these emerging mobile trends and the other on creating innovative and effective mobile learning solutions. Drawing upon our richness of experience in the eLearning industry and the depth of knowledge, TIS’ mobile COE offers mobile courseware, learning nuggets, games, simulations and custom applications. Our portfolio of products includes SOP on mobile devices, byte-sized learning capsule and social quiz game app built for corporates, cloud-based, cross-platform, cross-device mobile learning tool, mobile sales enablement platform for the pharma industry, Step-by-step process to practice handling, and assembling objects. Our solutions have helped organizations to: Reduce time-to-competence Improve on-the-job performance Increase productivity, avoid potential accident hazards Increase employee engagement ...in a cost effective manner. While we continue to leverage our strengths and differentiate ourselves on mobile first UI design, flexible frameworks (LEARNow and SOP Ecosystem), integrated apps, progressive enhancement and our ability to scale, we remain aware of the tremendous potential this space holds. Given the increasing computing power available on mobile devices and network speeds getting better each day it is natural to expect more augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)experiences on mobile devices. With the wearables already here, newer technology advancements such as Apple’s iBeacon and Internet of Things (IoT) present interesting and enormous opportunity to build contextual mobile solutions.

The instructional approach adopted to impart skills and changes in behavior can significantly impact the outcomes—performance, learning effectiveness, and in corporate scenarios, productivity and profits. Simulations are one such effective tool that aims to bridge the gap between ‘understanding’ and ‘application’. Universities leverage simulations as a way of gradually scaffolding and immersing learners in a failsafe environment before they step out into the real world. Organizations, meanwhile, are seriously evaluating, if not already adopting, simulation-based solutions as their choice of training method to hone the business, managerial and interpersonal skills of their workforce. Several simulation formats have evolved organically, over the years, based on varying learning goals, user profiles, and deployment environments. Conversation Simulations to develop interpersonal, communication and soft skills, Spreadsheet Simulations to simulate data-driven decision-making, Mathematical Model-based Simulations that replicate complex, multi-dimensional environments, Day-in-the-Life Simulations to practice prioritization and multitasking under severe time pressure, are some of the feature-based products we offer. Hi-fidelity simulations, which support multiplayer gameplay, collaborative decision-making, in competitive simulation scenarios are especially preferred by universities and corporates where users are expected to have a holistic and interdisciplinary view of business. Based on learner needs, solutions can be customized to qualitatively and quantitatively track learner performance and support reporting capabilities. Mobile-friendly options that incorporate principles and mechanics from the gaming world are used to heighten learner engagement and drive greater participation. At TIS, the Simulations Center-Of-Excellence (COE) has been cognizant of these trends and kept pace with the evolving needs of learners and organizations. While we continue to leverage our strengths and differentiate ourselves on strong instructional design capabilities, functional user interfaces, and mathematical modelling, we also focus on conducting in-depth consulting exercises to identify learning gaps and recommend appropriate simulation solutions.

Over the last year we have been working on QuizBiz, our social gamification solution that allows any organization to set up its own social game app for employees on topics that are relevant to it. The first set of customers and users have now begun using the apps and here are 4 dimensions we realised are most important: 1. The Social Dynamics - Yes, we did anticipate people would play a bit, but within the corporate environment, we were not sure how topics like Conversion Process Management or the cryptically named Finance would really hold the audience’s interest. Yet people played, and how! With our first rollout for a global Insurance company, over a three week period, people played over 15,000 games and answered 180,000. For some reason, having a colleague challenge you, created a dynamic that was much more compelling than when we originally designed the game. This also challenges us to think of ways in which we can enhance the social experience. 2. Different Strokes for Different Folks - There was quite a difference in player styles. Some people were driven by wanting to get on top of the leaderboard, challenging others constantly; others played a few games with regularity and were seemingly content with slow progression and no burning desire to be on top of the leader board. The latter continued playing even when the competition was done. Some people played a couple of games initially and then stopped. So the lesson here was that we always needed to be aware of the player types and look at what the game can offer to keep them engaged and coming back for more. 3. What behaviour to reward - Similar to games available in the market, we had designed the game to reward players who played more often. From a corporate learning format, this meant that players who knew the answer and scored right on the first try did not score as high on the leader board as another player who would not have known the right answer first, but got it right over playing 10 games. This is not necessarily what we want to reward in the corporate environment so it is back to the drawing board for the next version. 4. There is no such thing as too much content - The biggest contributor to the success and also the biggest constraint is still engaging content. How do we ensure that there are enough questions to keep the game interesting and how does one refresh the question set? User generated questions perhaps? - Rati Menon, Managing Director, TIS Switzerland

Tata Interactive Systems (TIS), a global leader in learning solutions, has won two gold, three silver and one bronze at Brandon Hall Group’s 2015 HCM Excellence Awards. TIS has been recognised for its excellence in producing custom-designed online courses and using technology innovatively, to deliver training programmes. The company also uses games & simulations to support learning outcomes. TIS has won 28 Brandon Hall Excellence Awards in the past decade.   "We are honoured to be recognised with six Brandon Hall Excellence awards this year," says Saurabh Mittal, Chief Operating Officer of Tata Interactive Systems. "Training, today, is not just about getting people up to speed. It is also about aligning an organisation’s learning and development (L&D) initiatives with their strategic objectives/goals. In line with this, we offer best-in-class learning interventions to improve people performance leading up to superior corporate performance."   "We have been constantly innovating to create newer immersive learning formats like augmented reality, multiplayer simulations, gamification, learning nuggets and mobile-based learning," Saurabh adds.   Best Advance in Custom Content Gold: TIS developed a blended learning programme for Telus Communications to improve customer satisfaction and increase the skills of customer service representatives.  Silver: The programme has been designed for Excelsior College to help teachers understand, implement, and model the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics in the classroom. Silver: TIS along with BCG created a programme for senior leadership team at PepsiCo Inc to inculcate the skills of strategic planning and execution. Best Use of Games and Simulations for Learning Gold: TIS developed the Holden Adaptive Platform™ that initiates game-changing sales habits. The programme delivers relevant and right-sized bits of information that can be applied by sales personnel in the real world. Best Use of Blended Learning Silver: TIS’ blended learning programme for Telus Communications has been built to be highly interactive and included animation videos, real-life scenarios and job aids. Bronze: TIS designed a programme for Prince George Community College that will help students develop skills required to enter the demanding world of IT support. This include a mix of classroom lectures, discussions, self-paced online learning, and simulated as well as virtual lab sessions. The Brandon Hall Learning Excellence Awards are presented annually by Brandon Hall Research, one of the leading research firms in training and development. Now in its 21st year, the awards programme showcased exceptional work in learning and development. "We congratulate all our clients who have made it to this year’s winning list and continue to make a positive impact in the field of learning," states Saurabh Mittal. Rachel Cooke, Chief Operating Officer of the Brandon Hall Group and head of the awards programme, said, "The high quality of work and commitment to driving business results among our award winners never fails to amaze me. All of these winning programmes deliver meaningful business results to their organisations. Winning an Excellence Award is a great honour, but the real winners are the organisations themselves and their customers and clients because of the innovation and customer focus they demonstrate."

Tata Interactive Systems (TIS) has been named in the ‘Top 20 Gamification Companies’ list by TrainingIndustry.com for the second consecutive year. This initiative is part of TrainingIndustry.com’s mission to monitor the training marketplace for the best providers of gamification services/technologies in support of corporate learning and development. "Tata Interactive has been a leading advocate of gamified learning, as the game mechanics offer greater knowledge retention, improve problem solving & collaboration skills as well as exhibit higher learner engagement. While learning through games are immersive, the use of game elements like points, badges & leaderboards provide instantaneous feedback and reward progress," avers Saurabh Mittal, COO, Tata Interactive Systems. "We at TIS also offer the analytics component in gamified solutions that enable organisations to understand the effectiveness of its learning and communication mechanisms, as well as get an insight into the gaps, right down to the level of each individual. This allows for customisation and personalisation of the communication and learning programs," explains Saurabh. The selection of this year's "Top 20" list was based on the following criteria: Features & capabilities of the gamification products/services, company size & growth potential, quality & number of clients/users, geographic reach, as well as awards, recognition & competitive differentiation. "Our second annual Top 20 Gamification Companies list showcases the companies who best integrate gaming into learning and development programs," said Ken Taylor, president, Training Industry, Inc. "The top companies provide some of the most innovative forms of gamification in learning, whether we are discussing serious games, training simulations or any other form of structured training program." "Incorporating gamification into your corporate training remains a strong trend across the industry," said Doug Harward, chief executive officer, Training Industry Inc. "Those selected are incredibly in tune with their clients’ needs and goals and provide them with solutions that enhance the training experience and the employee’s retention of the new skills."

The jury is no longer out on this one—outsourcing of learning services is indeed here to stay. Be it for bringing in efficiencies to the learning function, implementing a flexible resourcing model, deploying best-in-class learning and performance support strategies, or increasing focus on core business activities, it’s just a matter of time before you take that first step. Like all things new, the first step is never easy. There are decisions to make on how to select the right partner, finalize the budget, engage with a steering committee to define the outsourcing strategy, liaison with procurement… the list is endless. In all of this, there is also the fear of the unknown. The uncertainty of working with a team you’ve never known before and, seemingly, have little control over. But this is where it gets better! If you’re ready to go down this path, you clearly are not going where no man (or woman) has gone before. With training outsourcing now gaining maturity, there are several best practices to make your initial steps a little easier. Read the article on Training Outsourcing, where we focus on the three ground rules for a great partnership with a custom e-Learning provider, when you’re taking those first steps in your outsourcing journey. This article has been published in the latest edition of Training Industry Magazine.

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