Homewood Suites by Hilton is taking the plunge with mobile learning. The company announced that all 204 properties across the U.S. and Canada were outfitted with video iPods for the launch of a new training program.
The company says iPods offer its 5,000 to 6,000 employees the ability "to train directly in their own work environment as training content is organized efficiently into play lists to allow for stronger information retention." Homewood also likes the way in which the on-demand functionality of iPods allows for greater on-the-job coaching and guidance from peers.
What's more, the technology, which will be used to train team members on new brand-wide food and beverage standards, can easily refresh curriculum. The video iPod program contains a variety of 2-minute modules highlighting specific brand skills.
After filming and editing Phase 1 training content, and completing 40 hours of beta testing, all Homewood Suites properties will participate in mobile learning going forward. "The next phase of mobile training," says Vice President of Hotel Performance Services Dawn Koenig, "will provide refresher training centered around personalized customer service tools inherent to Homewood Suites."