You are probably wondering why mobile learning still matters?
Mobile learning is getting prevalent in today’s world. It is the result of the ever-changing era of the digital world. But, everything has two sides. That’s why in this article, we thought it would be useful to shoot down the middle and offer a balanced view on some advantages and disadvantages of M learning.
What Is Mobile Learning?
In the current environment, mobile learning is very prevalent. Mobile learning, or mLearning, provides access to a variety of online content using a mobile device. Mobile learning is the easiest way for students to get assistance.
Schools and colleges are increasingly supporting eLearning and mobile learning. Students are given mobile phones and laptops and encouraged to use them for educational purposes. If mobile learning is used in the right way, it can be very beneficial for students and adults.
Many educational apps are available online, and they are also very popular among college and high school students. Also, teachers/professors/instructors can learn a topic or provide notes, examples, and also refer to these apps when necessary.
Mobile learning has the advantage of having many online sources available. Therefore, if you don’t find it one place, you can search for it somewhere else. It is easy to contact the app developer if you do not understand the app or have a suggestion while you are using it.
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of mobile learning now that you know what it is.
Advantages of Mobile Learning
Mobile learning is very popular and in the past few years, its use has increased extensively.
Anytime and anywhere learning
A major advantage of mobile learning is that students are not restricted to a classroom or a set schedule in order to learn. Teachers are too! Through mobile learning, students can access classrooms at their convenience to review course materials or take a test. Through mobile learning, students can access classrooms at their convenience to review course materials or take a test.
Learning is now accessible no matter where you are or what time of day it is. Students can instead learn on the go at their own pace. By doing this, students engage voluntarily on their own terms, which means they feel empowered by the learning process instead of just another day at school.
Supports self-paced learning
People learn at different rates, and mobile learning allows people to learn in their own way and at their own pace.
It is similar to a classroom situation where learners are usually restricted to the pace set by their teachers, which often leads to frustration.
Mobile-compatible eLearning content is available on most online learning platforms. Therefore, you can learn whenever you want.
Digital-First Thinking
Millennials make up a large percentage of the current workforce. These are employees who have grown up around technology and are used to using it every day. To make their work easier and better, they are comfortable using digital devices, mediums, and platforms. So why not begin at school? Mobile learning is tailored to meet the needs of Millennials. By making learning more accessible to them, they are ready to enter the workforce when they graduate.
Mobile learning is a digital-first, future-first approach to learning. Students who engage in mobile learning are ready for the real world and can cope with it better than Luddites who are scared of technology.
Covers a huge distance
Mobile learning offers the benefit of covering a large distance, so even if you’re in California or Canberra, Australia, you can access the same content or tests at the same time. Distance has no effect on mobile learning.
Motivation
Mobile learning systems can actually make learning more fun and engaging by incorporating gamification techniques, such as learning leader boards and other social status symbols.
Disadvantages of Mobile Learning
As good and alluring as the advantages sound, there are also disadvantages of mobile learning.
Increasing Reliance On Technological Tools
A forward-looking, digital-embracing approach to education with mobile learning is undeniably useful, but it also means that students lose touch with older skills that don’t rely on technology. This is especially true for trade skills such as handyman skills, woodworking, and working in the arts and crafts. As a result, some types of skills are dying out and, thus, becoming more and more expensive in the market.
Prone to Distractions
During a mobile learning session, a hyperconnected smartphone user may receive SMS, social media, or news notifications.
The learner’s sense of solitude is reduced, so their engagement may be lower than in a classroom setting.
Lack of internet connection or electricity
Rural areas and places where the internet and electricity are not yet widely used can be affected by this. When you have a device, but you do not have the electricity or internet to run the device and take advantage of mobile learning, then what’s the point? If you want the best mobile learning experience, make sure you have met all the requirements.
