We are about thirty days out from the Float Mobile LearningSymposium and I am getting excited! I’m ready to pack my saddle bags, mount the
proverbial horse and head up the cattle trail to Chicago for this year’s event
to be held at startup incubator 1871 and
in conjunction with TechWeek 2012 Conference in Chicago. This year’s Float
Symposium builds on momentum gained from last year’s inaugural event held down
the trail in Peoria, IL (Float’s outpost/HQ) and is sure to please.
Why am I excited? That’s easy, Tex! It is all about the
people – from those putting it together to those hosting the venue and everyone
speaking but, more importantly, those attending. This event may be boutique in
size compared with mega learning events but everyone in the crowd are likely
“twin sons (and daughters) from different mothers” who each think about mobile
with every action, reaction and breath they take. Sure, there will be sessions
and speeches along the way, but the real opportunity is in the connections you
make with peers who are excited to share their experiences – both good and bad
– with others.
If you know about the event, you’re likely part of the “minority
crowd” of real mobile practitioners rather than the “majority crowd” still
sitting on the fence and not out there riding the mobile rodeo bull. My
advice -- strap in, listen for the bell, and hold on for eight seconds as best
you can! When you fall (and you will at some point), know the distance down
isn’t too far and just make sure you get out of the way! Mobile is
something to experience, not just talk about, and the best way to learn from
others is to share your own practical lessons with them so we can build on what’s
proven possible, practical and productive.
For my part, I’m pleased to be delivering a session on Enterprise Security for Mobile
Learning, an often overlooked and misunderstood topic for
individuals and teams tasked with the creation, delivery and management of
mobile learning that live within the confines of an information security
department’s strict policies and expectations. The introduction of mobile
devices across nearly every aspect of our business lives has introduced a wide
array of technical, operational and managerial challenges every organization
must understand and find ways to address. Every organization approaches
security in their own way and the variables differ across industries and use
cases. A combination of IT policies like BYOD, varied use of mobile
devices/operating systems, the selection of native apps/mobile web, the need
for online versus offline content delivery, to issue of track or not to track,
and even exempt/non-exempt employee work rules can all coalesce to make security
something many teams think of last and, before they realize it, their projects
can be in real jeopardy.
My primary goal is to share experiences on security with everyone
at the Symposium seeking to plan, implement or manage an upcoming mobile
learning initiative, and arm them with tips and tricks to get their IT, infosec
and management teams comfortable with the fact mobile is here, it’s real and it
really can be secure. My other goal is to connect with other rodeo riders (and
clowns) like me and learn as much from their time in the saddle as I have mine.
Yippee, ki-yah!
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