TEN GIZMOS FOR TRAINING AND

PERFORMANCE
1. MP3 Audio
• What it is: This is a digital audio format popularized by Napster and other Web sites that allows
users to download music onto their computers or into small pocket-sized players.
• How to use it:
? -Create audio files using a microphone plugged into your computer; upload files to a server
where users can download them from an onscreen “jukebox”
? Users can play files through their computers or in their car radios with a simple adapter
• Applications:
? Download audio books & speeches from the Internet
? Create your own corporate news programs;
? Hands-free audio instruction and tours
• Resources: www.mp3.com, www.rioport.com

2. Handheld Scanner
• What it is: A pen-like device that you run over text to digitize and capture it.
• How to use it:
? Run scanner over text; you will see a read-out of the captured text in a small window.
? Save the file and “beam” it via infrared link to your computer
• Applications:
? Scanning existing print materials (documentation, memos, library books and magazines) to
convert to word processing
? Scan addresses, notes, memory aids, etc. and keep them at hand in a small pocket-held
device
? Load software that provides foreign language translations and definitions of words (i.e.,
medical terminology) as you scan over them
• Resources: www.cpen.com

3. PDA (Personal Digital Assistant, i.e., Palm Pilot)

• What it is: A wallet-sized device that holds a calendar of appointments, phone list, to-do notes,
Web and e-mail browser, and other custom mini-programs. Also can take attachments such as
cell phone or digital still photo cameras.
• How to use it:
? Enter data by writing with a stylus on the screen
? Upload data from a computer via a small docking station (called synchronizing); This
automatically updates all files in both the PDA and your computer
? Receive data via an attached modem or wireless cell phone connection
? Create text or Web-based files of instruction or documentation that users can retrieve and use
on the job
• Applications:
 ? Calendar and contacts organizer
? Portable documentation and training (users upload small data files and can use them on the
job)
? Wireless Web browsing and e-mail
? Beam information among PDAs
• Resources: www.palmgear.com, www.handspring.com

4. PDA with Plug-In Digital Camera

• What it is: A Palm Pilot or Handspring Visor with a very small digital camera that attaches to it.
• How to use it:
? Attach camera to PDA
? Download camera software from a CD via your computer and the docking station
? Take pictures and use stylus to write notes
? Pictures upload to your computer when you do a synchronization
• Applications:
? Visual documentation of processes and products for developing training and documentation
? Beam, upload, or e-mail photos to show “best practices” or to document problems for a help
desk
? Keep notes with digital photos
• Resources: www.palmgear.com, www.eyemodule.com

5. GPS (Global Positioning System)

• What it is: A device that beams its location to satellites and can provide a read-out of your
location in terms of latitude and longitude with an accuracy of a few feet. Some are add-ons to
PDAs and some are stand-alone units. With mapping software, it can provide best routes and
information on local facilities.
• How to use it:
? Download maps of the areas you intend to visit via CD-ROM or Internet
? Turn the device on, enter the location you’re looking for
? It provides routes, directions, and places of interest
• Applications:
? Maps locations for documentation
? Provides road directions (useful for field workers, sales reps, etc.)
? Gives distances and best routes
? Can monitor employees for supervision, safety, and to locate the closest person or vehicle to
a customer or location
• Resources: www.palmgear.com, www.geodiscovery.com

6. WAP-Enabled Cell Phone (Wireless Application Protocol)

• -What it is: A “smart” cell phone that can send and display e-mails, short text messages, or
small Web pages. Some are cell phone add-ons for PDAs.
• How to use it:
? Create small Web pages or e-mail messages
 ? Users can wirelessly browse Web pages or download e-mail via their cell connection, using
the keypad
• Applications:
? Wirelessly browse Web and e-mail for training, documentation, job aids, etc.
? Address and call management makes cell phone use faster and more efficient
? Senses location and thus can provide custom information (i.e., where is the nearest post
office? etc.).
• Resources: www.handspring.com, www.samsung.com, www.kyocera.com

7. Digital Audio Recorder

• What it is: A small device that digitally records and stores audio files
• How to use it:
? Press a button, talk into it, press another button to stop recording
? Save files to built-in memory or removable storage
? -Upload files to your computer for editing, posting on Web, sending out via_e-mail, etc.)
• Applications:
? Captures interviews with subject matter experts
? Send audio via e-mail for updates or instruction
? Create audio instruction and corporate news programs
• Resources: www.palmgear.com, www.sony.com

8. Webcam
• What it is: A small digital camera that connects to your computer.
• How to use it:
? Connect to your computer and install software via CD or online download
? Use software to grab still pictures or short video clips
? Use it for live video transmission via the Web
• Applications:
? Conduct video conferences and training online
? Surveillance (monitor people for safety and supervision)
? Grab short video clips of expert performers, demonstrations, etc. for training and
documentation
• Resources: www.computershopper.zdnet.com

9. Digital Tablet Computer

• What it is: A keyboardless laptop-sized computer (or one with a detachable keyboard).
• How to use it:
? Write text or select options by touching the screen with your finger or a stylus
? Software is created with standard tools (word processing programs, spreadsheets, databases,
Web authoring tools, etc.) since they run with the Windows operating system
• Applications:
 ? Good for on-the-job training and documentation; users don’t need to type and you can mount
the screen in a vehicle or on the wall
? Updatable job aids and announcements
? Inventory management, quality control, etc. by entering information into a database while
walking around
• Resources: www.optimizemobile.com

10. Wearable Computers

• What they are: Small electronic devices that are actually worn (around the neck as a pendant, as
a ring, within glasses, or as a watch).
• How to use them:
? Information is downloaded from a computer via cable or infrared
? Users can consult the display for information (some devices project images onto goggles or
glasses)
? Some have cell phone capability
? Use the device to gain security access to computers or buildings
• Applications:
? Cell phone with video (Dick Tracy watch)
? Identification badge and geographic tracking
? Hands-free repair guides and instruction
• Resources: www.wearablecomputers.com, www.timex.com

Copyright McGraw-Hill 2002. To customize this handout for your audience, download it to your hard drive from the McGraw-Hill
Web site at http://www.books.mcgraw-hill.com/training/download.
The document can then be opened, edited, and printed using Microsoft Word or another popular word processing application.