Mobile learning is an increasingly popular learning method for people all over the world. It's a fantastic opportunity for teachers to connect with new people and connect with students wherever they spend their time, on mobile technology.

The average Canadian checks their phone 144 times each day, while the average American checks their phone an insane 344 times per day.

In the process of integrating technology into their daily routines It's not surprising that more and more people turn to their phones tablet computers, laptops, and phones for learning. Learning via mobile gives students the flexibility like they've never seen before as they explore new skills as well as hobbies, trades and even careers.

Let's look at mobile learning's pros and cons and consider how m-learning could aid your students.

Skip ahead:

•         What is Mobile Learning (M-learning)?
•         What's positives of learning on mobile devices?
•         Which are the negatives to the mobile method of learning?
•         Discover the right balance on mobile-based learning

What exactly is Mobile Learning (M-learning)?

What are some benefits of mobile learning?

There are plenty of advantages of mobile learning. However, we've identified 6. These include accessibility, flexibility in content, motivation, engagement, and affordability. We'll look into each one a little more here:

    Accessibility    

One of the significant benefits of mobile learning is the accessibility. Online courses for M-learning are available which means that students have access to their classes from any part of the world. It makes mobile learning versatile and can help creators reach a much wider market.

    Flexibility    

Like accessibility, but with a different, mobile learning gives students the flexibility that synchronous or in-person courses can't. Students are able to complete their class at the time that works best for them, whether they like to work at 12 noon or 12 midnight.

In addition, if the program permits, the students are able to study at their own pace. This offers them even more flexibility as they can take the course as short as a few hours or for as long as couple of months.

    Motivation    

Both eLearning as well as mobile learning use technology-savvy teaching methods and evaluation. Interactive quizzes, for instance, as well as tests may make the learning more fun and motivate students to progress, engage with the material as well as remember key points.

Engaged and enthusiastic students is likely to be able to recall the lessons they've taken in and be happy.

    Current Content    

Since mobile learning courses are online, they have the extraordinary advantage of revision. The creators cannot modify physical textbooks, live courses, and even webinars after they've been published. Online courses can.

Creators of online courses could benefit from this, and can update courses frequently as needed. This can help keep courses relevant and meaningful for learners.

    Engagement    

Duolingo is now the most frequently used app for learning new languages through fun methods, such as microlearning. It gives students bite-sized lessons that are easy to complete regularly.

    Affordability    

Mobile learning courses typically don't need in-person or synchronous training, and they aim to impart a specific ability or produce one result. The size of a mobile learning course could help it be more affordable as opposed to courses that need the use of more personnel and maintenance, as well as scheduling and even research.

What are some disadvantages in mobile-based learning?

As with anything it is true that there are drawbacks to mobile learning that you should consider in addition. Students who learn via mobile devices are vulnerable to distractions, lack interpersonal interaction, use tech too much, lack individualization and leave students who do not have access to high-quality technology. Let's explore each reason more down below:

    Distractions    

One of the numerous advantages of mobile learning in education is that it requires learners to access the material through an mobile device. But, it also means that the students are more likely to become distracted.

Students are likely to receive text messages, emails as well as social media updates throughout their classes. This can lead to a lack of participation and even completion rates to decline.

    Insufficient social interaction    

The use of M-learning is a way to encourage students to make meaningful connections on the internet, but it doesn't provide the possibility of meaningful interactions in person.

Some students can thrive in a more isolated and focused environment, other students could rely on their social connections to keep them motivated. This may be more apparent when students take courses that require long-term engagement.

    Reliance on tech    

M-learning, just like eLearning depends entirely on technology. Creators must consider operating system compatibility and the best way to optimize for mobile devices or else risk making unwieldy and hard-to-use courses.

Reliance on tech can also exclude skills that rely upon practical knowledge. As an example, for instance, artists or mechanics might have difficulty learning real-world skills without personal feedback or in-person training.

    Personalization is poor    

The most personalized feedback is usually provided by an individual mentor, class instructor, or cohort leader. Despite engaging assessments like interactive quizzes and tests but students are unable to miss out on personalized feedback when they're enrolled in mobile learning courses making it difficult for them to understand and acquire new abilities.

    Poor technology    

Although many students have access to modern technologies and reliable internet connections, not everyone does. Some students may be learning with older tech or have poor internet and electricity access.

The mobile learning model can provide access to education for many, but it can restrict access to students without the necessary tools for online learning. It is important to think about the audience you want to reach and be sure you design a course that's accessible to the students.

Find the right balance on mobile-based learning

What is an advantage for some may have a negative impact on some. As an example, the total flexibility of a self-paced course might be demotivating for some audiences. Ultimately, it's the responsibility of you to discover the right balance for the audience you're targeting and design the course accordingly.

Regardless, creators can outweigh limitations of mobile learning, and design more accessible, high-quality educational and accessible courses than ever previously. When you've got the right content mobile technology allows you to reach across the globe, engage students, and develop a network of students.

If you're considering developing an online course try for no cost! It will provide the course design as well as the marketing and selling tools you need to turn your online course into a mobile education business.