Nowadays, we are glued to our smartphones at all times. From communicating with family and friends to ordering food, playing games, shopping online, etc., we do everything on mobile devices. So you must be wondering what else mobile phones can do. Can we use it for learning? Well, mobile learning (mLearning) is a new way to access content online. So let’s dive into the hidden treasures and secrets of mobile learning. But first, we’ll look into “what is mLearning?”
What is mLearning?
Also referred to as mLearning, mobile learning is a broad term encompassing the learning process via the internet or network using smartphones, tablets, digital notebooks, and laptops.
Mobile learning has been around since the 2000s. Still, it soared in popularity a few years back because it allows learners to access learning resources anywhere and anytime, provided they have smartphones. In recent times with the surprise of mobile usage the mobile learning trend is also growing rapidly.
Mobile Learning Basics
Educators can use mobile learning to deliver microlearning content. The content may include animations, videos, games, quizzes, how-to guides, assessments, etc.
Moreover, social learning elements are also part of mLearning, focusing on connecting with experts and peers, discussion forums, online chats, and knowledge sharing.
In addition, offline mobile learning offers support to download content and learn without the internet. Instructors can track students’ progress on mobile devices (learners can also track their own progress), and they can sync the data to Learning Management System (LMS) when the internet is available. Reports and dashboards are available to learners, educators, and administrators anytime.
Adoption of Mobile Learning
Mobile learning can make our lives easier, and as a result, the adoption of the mLearning approach has skyrocketed in recent years.
Advantages of mLearning
The millennial generation has grown up with smart gadgets. Therefore, mobile learning is customized to the way millennials think and work.
However, there are so many benefits of mLearning that all generations can take advantage of. Let’s look at some of the top benefits of mobile learning.
Supports Self-Paced Learning
Educators understand that students learn at different paces. Delivering lessons in a classroom puts undue pressure on learners to understand a concept within a specific time, often leading to frustration.
But, mobile learning eliminates the need for students to keep up with the lessons at a normal pace and allows them to learn at their own speed. With mobile learning, learners can learn whenever they want without feeling overwhelmed to complete an assignment or a lesson immediately.
Learn on The Go
One of the most significant advantages of mobile learning is that students can learn from anywhere and at any time. The days when people loved to sit behind their desks to learn are long gone. Nowadays, students want to learn without being present at a particular place or time. mLearning provides them instant access to learning materials. Also, it enables them to determine where and when to learn. Moreover, learners can act voluntarily on their own, thus enhancing their chances of engaging in the learning process.
Even though they are not present physically in the classroom, they can still communicate with their teachers online, access additional resources at their convenience, and participate in quizzes.
Dynamic Learning Environment
No two learners are the same. They do not just acquire knowledge at a convenient pace but also need learning formats they are comfortable with.
For instance, some individuals are auditory learners, while others are visual learners. Unfortunately, traditional in-person education seldom considers learners’ learning preferences or styles. However, mLearning helps solve this issue. Educators can put presentations, images, YouTube videos, or audio files into their content to match varying learning styles.
Additionally, instructors can use varied delivery methods to reinforce what was taught in their classrooms. Alternatively speaking, mobile learning supports all kinds of eLearning features and media to create an engaging and dynamic learning experience for all learners.
Higher Retention & Better Understanding
Adopting mLearning makes dividing lessons into smaller, more manageable bites easier. Typically, extensive courses are not delivered through mobile apps. Content through mLearning is designed to be concise and straightforward. It, in turn, holds plenty of benefits, including better retention rates and higher understanding.
For example, seeing huge textbooks and bulky coursework discourage many students from learning. When you teach lessons in bites via mobile phones, it helps in decreasing cognitive overload and improves the overall learning experience.
Likewise, bite-sized knowledge delivery increases retention and information recall. This aids students in completing any course or lesson without a hassle.
Collaborative Learning
While mLearning empowers students to learn at their own pace, it also enables them to get in touch with their peers and teachers, with the end goal of knowledge sharing.
In addition, it motivates them to stay in touch with each other so they can share ideas while helping create and promote different online learning communities.
Multi-Device Support
Mobile learning supports all devices students need and use. In a mLearning environment, learners can access the same content on various devices, including tablets, PCs, laptops, and smartphones. Regardless of the device students use, mobile learning content looks exceptional and is responsive on all screen sizes.
Cost-Effective
Another notable advantage of mLearning is that it is cost-effective. Educators only need to develop their content using web-based authoring tools and automatically push it out to students on their mobile devices so that they can learn at their convenience. It dramatically enhances participation and engagement without breaking the bank.
Disadvantages of mLearning
Despite the many benefits of mobile learning, a few drawbacks must be addressed to enjoy its full potential.
Lack of Internet Connection
Using mobile phones for online learning could be an issue if students cannot access a stable internet connection or electricity is readily available.
However, with the enormous growth of mobile devices, poor connection quality, restricted access to electricity, and a lack of internet connection will likely become problems of the past.
Distraction
Smartphones can become a great distraction. It can be distracting when learners get constantly interrupted by notifications and text messages. Thus, it requires focus and self-discipline.
Nonetheless, if you can make the learning process fun and interactive, the other mobile device apps won’t distract students.
Too Small Screen
mLearning might not be a better fit for certain types of content you intend to share. For example, technical topics with detailed images may not be visible on small screens. Moreover, complicated mathematical equations and lengthy essays are illegible on a small screen. Hence, a bigger screen would work best for tasks requiring more visualization.
How mLearning Supports Education?
Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of mLearning, you may wonder how mobile learning supports education. Here’s how it aids in the learning process
Gamification Encourages Learning
Engagement improves learning. Gamification features like rewards incorporated into your mobile learning content spark students’ interest and stir a desire in them to earn more points or badges while unconsciously motivating them to complete the assigned tasks.
Supplements Traditional Learning
Mobile learning apps enable you to create simplified versions of courses and deliver them in digestible formats, thus reinforcing learning. These learning apps also allow you to test students’ knowledge through flashcard quizzes, aiding in refreshing their memory and knowledge retention.
Course Discussion & Forums
As mentioned earlier, mobile learning encourages collaboration among peers and experts, empowering them to share ideas and stimulate their thinking. As a result, it can further boost engagement and enhance course completion rates.
Enhanced Communication With Learners
mLearning apps simplify the process of maintaining communication with your learners as you can stay in touch with them by sending notifications about microlearning content or your courses. Likewise, you can attract new students by using the applications to offer a sneak peek of upcoming courses.
Final Thoughts!
Mobile learning is a blessing for those who lack time to sit behind a desk in a classroom setting or the ones who just want to learn at their own pace. Whether you want to exclusively educate your students or supplement their in-person learning, mLearning is your answer.
