There are many ways to learn nowadays.
We can go to traditional schools, take online courses, read books or watch videos.
But what about mobile learning? Mobile learning is a new way to access learning content via smartphones and tablets.
It’s easy and convenient because learners can study anytime and anywhere they want.
This article will talk about the different aspects of mobile learning that might be interesting for you: advantages & disadvantages, how it works, some tips on how to use it, etc.
Let’s start with the basics first!
Contents
What is Mobile Learning?
Mobile learning is a new way to access learning content via mobile devices. It can be anything from lecture slides, articles, and videos that you are viewing on your phone or tablet device.
This form of education has grown in popularity with the rise of e-learning and digital classrooms ̶ both online courses and remote sessions.
Not only does it allow for convenience when using smartphones as an educational tool, but it also allows users to interact with their coursework while they’re on the go (in line at Starbucks, waiting for class).
Mobile learners have even more flexibility than traditional students who may need an internet connection to complete assignments, like WebAssign Answers.
With a smartwatch or smartphone equipped with cellular data service, there’s no limit to how much information we can take in.
Importance Of Mobile Learning.
Mobile learning has become a popular topic lately.
It is essential because it allows learners to keep up with their education, no matter where they are or what device they have at the current time.
Mobile devices are now pervasive in many people’s lives and can be used for so much more than just calling someone.
This approach is effective and practical, and fun, which encourages learning among people of all ages.
That is why so many applications for education are introduced and made available to educators and trainers every day.
Using Mobile Learning In Education
Creating Learning Materials
There are many tools available for educators to use, such as slideshows and video tutorials.
It is easy to create these materials on your mobile device, so more time can be spent designing the perfect content rather than waiting around while it downloads from a computer onto an iPad or other tablet PC.
Teaching With Mobile Learning
Teachers can use mobile learning in the classroom setting by delivering educational material using apps that work with tablets like iPads or Android devices.
It allows students of all ages access to information anywhere they go!
One key advantage over traditional teaching methods is that this approach engages learners since they control what they learn through their exploration and discovery.
They feel empowered because they know how much progress they’ve made in their learning, and they’re more likely to develop a sense of purpose that helps them learn better.
Interactive Learning
One of the many advantages of mobile learning is the increased interaction between educators and students.
The dynamic nature of these interactions encourages learners to ask questions, get online class help, and participate in discussion forums, leading them closer to achieving their goals.
It can go both ways where the educator asks a question about the lesson and students answer them either by using their device or on a predetermined online forum.
This method is especially recommended in cases where trainers teach large numbers of students.
Synchronous Setting
Synchronous learning typically means that students and teachers can communicate in real-time.
It is helpful when feedback from the teacher and student interaction is deemed essential points in the study.
Both real-time feedback and teacher-student interaction activate powerful learning stimuli, which significantly impact overall attainment levels.
Benefits and Challenges of Mobile Learning.
Benefits
Study Anytime, Anywhere
The ability to study anytime and anywhere is one of the best advantages. It enables students to learn at work while commuting on public transport or even in bed before going off to sleep.
Motivation
Studying any content is more motivating if you can take it with you everywhere. It’s beneficial when your study sessions are relegated to small blocks of time during your commute or lunch break.
Instant Feedback
It’s hard to deny the benefits of instant feedback. It provides a real-time response, enabling you to know precisely what is and isn’t working in your learning process as it happens.
Ample Learning Resources
You’ll never be bored with all the content available. There are plenty of resources to choose from, such as MathXL Answers, and some are free! In addition, with mobile learning, educators can add videos, audio, visuals, and different text styles to the lessons. It helps education be more enjoyable.
Ease Of Use
Mobile learning is easy to use. You can access it anytime and anywhere with a smartphone or tablet. In contrast, you need a PC or laptop and an internet connection to access online courses.
Cost-effective
An expensive laptop or PC is not needed for mobile learning. You can even use an old smartphone if you have one lying around! All the resources are available on your device, and they don’t cost a penny.
Personalized Learning
Mobile learning is personalized. It can be a great way to review for tests or prepare presentations in class. The content of the lesson will all depend on your needs and what you need it for.
Teachers can adjust lessons, quizzes, assignments, and other material according to the student’s level, which makes mobile learning more effective!
Challenges
Distraction
The biggest challenge of mobile learning is a distraction. You might get a notification on your phone and stop concentrating on the lesson you’re taking!
It’s also challenging to take notes with only one hand while at the same time holding your smartphone in front of you.
It can lead to bad habits like writing before really listening or copying unnecessarily from a website without understanding it well.
Passive Learning
Mobile devices are mainly used for entertainment purposes, so people tend to learn passively instead of actively using them for educational purposes.
A person learns conveniently by just pressing buttons but doesn’t make an effort to understand what he/she learned by trying new things out.
Software Issues
Common problems in software can cause it to stop working. In addition, there are many other difficulties with the software that can decrease your mobile learning experience and prevent you from completing projects on time.
Internet And Electric Dependency
With mobile learning, users are relying on electricity and internet connections. These two elements are integral to the success of this new form of education.
Areas that don’t have internet or electricity will be left out when using mobile devices for their own educational needs.
Small Screen
Mobile learning is an excellent way to access your coursework, but not for everything. For example, essays that are complicated or don’t work well on smaller screens aren’t ideal since it may be hard to read the words on your phone.
Because of the continuous invention and introduction of different devices, prices have dropped dramatically.
This is an appealing plus for those considering m-Learning.
It implies that everyone from young to old can easily make a one-time purchase to get years’ worth of learning with it.
