our life will never be the same if you try mobile learning. But will the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Let’s figure this out.
2022 was a year that brought big changes to e-learning software development. Technology has become the main means of gaining knowledge. Mobile devices, tablets, laptops, and PCs now allow us to study from anywhere. Learners can use different edtech tools — communication channels, resource databases, content-generation apps. They save preparation and management time. And the saved time can be devoted to the learning process itself. For sure, 2022 has enriched edtech with new means for distance learning. For sure, 2022 turned m-learning into a real must-have!
M-Learning: What Is It?
Mobile learning is also known as m-learning. M-learning means learning with the help of personal electronic devices. The m-learning sector is growing day by day since it increases education accessibility. Using mobile phones, learners engage with distance lessons and interact with their peers. They don’t have to look for some extra equipment to turn learning into a creative and memorable process. With m-learning, everything students need is stored in their smartphones.
When M-Learning Is Used, and When Is Not
Mobile learning is frequently used in classrooms by teachers. M-learning is common in both online and brick-and-mortar classrooms. Educators apply mobile software to facilitate educational processes. Mobile learning makes teacher-student cooperation more personalized and interactive. Students use their mobile devices to take an active part in the lesson. But to use mobile learning at your school, you should make sure that your students’ technology is ready for such a change. And even if just a few students lack access to devices, you cannot assign mobile learning tasks. You have to either ensure access to technology for everyone or suggest alternative ways of cooperation. Noone should feel disconnected from the learning community because of their technological unpreparedness.
Mobile Learning Pros and Cons
Like all other spheres, mobile learning has its pros and cons. If you want to better understand whether m-learning suits your case, consider both. Don’t look for a universal formula for e-learning growth. Only when analyzing both sides, you will be able to find the best edtech solution. When it comes to m-learning benefits, they evidently prevail over drawbacks. If people didn’t use m-learning tools during quarantine, they wouldn’t feel that comfortable while studying at home. Moreover, the results of one study highlight that more than 50% of businesses integrating mobile learning reported positive changes in their organizations. Such figures speak for themselves.
Mobile Learning Opportunities
WIDER ACCESS
Mobile learning gives educators the chance to reach learners who are not present in the physical classroom. Suppose that some of your students are absent because of health issues. Without a mobile learning platform, they have no chance to catch up on the material. They miss some vital information and get lower points as a result. Lower academic performance, less motivation, lower engagement — these are some of the adverse effects of missed classes. With mobile learning, however, the situation is different. Your students can access lesson recordings at home. They can keep pace with your educational program regardless of circumstances.
MORE FLEXIBILITY
Adult learners value flexibility most of all. Apart from learning, they are involved in a number of other activities. Some of them devote time to work, others do sports or are dedicated parents. Giving adult learners flexibility, you expand their chances for higher academic results. Your students will appreciate the opportunity to turn on the recorded lecture late in the evening when they have a spare hour. Instead of facing deadline pressure, they will get the chance to manage their time more effectively. For example, your students will be able to subdivide the process of listening to your lecture into two parts and finish it during the day.
Educators will also be grateful for extra flexibility. Suppose that a teacher accompanies their lecture with an interactive presentation. At the end of the presentation, there’s a small test for students to check their understanding of the learned material. How to give every learner the chance to participate and answer all test questions? One way is to check the answers of each student separately. But can you imagine how much time it will take for a group of 20? Another way is to ask students to take their mobile phones, click on the shared link, and pass the test. After they finish this task, you will see the results in the form of an automatically generated graph. You will access this graph in your mobile learning management system. You will get a clearer picture of students’ performance, while they will get higher interest and engagement.
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