The mobile learning method is becoming a widely used method of learning by people all over the world. It's a fantastic opportunity for teachers to reach new audiences and interact with students at the places they are, using mobile devices.

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

With the increasing integration of technology into their everyday lives and lives, it's no wonder that they're turning to phones or tablets as well as laptops for learning. Learning via mobile gives students the flexibility that they've never experienced when they are exploring new abilities and hobbies, trades, and careers.

Let's look at the advantages and drawbacks of mobile learning and consider how m-learning could help your students.

Skip ahead:

•         What is mobile learning (M-learning)?
•         What are the mobile learning advantages?
•         Which are the disadvantages of Mobile learning?
•         Locate the balance on mobile-based learning

What exactly is mobile learning (M-learning)?

What are the benefits of mobile learning?

There are plenty of advantages of mobile learning. However, we've compiled six. These include accessibility, flexibility and motivation, as well as current content, engagement, and affordability. Let's look at each of them a bit more below:

    Accessibility    

One of the main benefits of mobile learning is accessibility. Online courses for M-learning are available and students are able to access their classes from any part of the world. This makes mobile learning extremely flexible and allows creators to get their message out to a wider market.

    Flexibility    

Like accessibility, but with a distinct, mobile learning offers students the flexibility that online or in-person classes can't. Students are able to complete their course at whatever time works best for them regardless of whether they prefer working at 12 noon or 12 midnight.

And, if the course lets students study at their own pace. This gives them more flexibility as they could complete the course in as little as a couple of hours, or even a few months.

    Motivation    

Both eLearning and mobile learning employ technologically advanced methods of teaching and assessment. Techniques such as interactive quizzes and tests can gamify the course and encourage learners to improve their performance and engage in the subject and remember important information.

A motivated and engaged student will be more likely to retain the lessons they've taken in and be content.

    Present Content    

Because mobile learning courses live online, they enjoy the unique benefit of revision. The creators cannot alter physical textbooks, online courses, and even webinars, after they've been created. Online courses can.

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

    Engagement    

Duolingo is now the most popular app to learn different languages, thanks to its fun methods, such as microlearning. The app provides students with bite-sized lessons which can be completed every day.

    Affordability    

Mobile learning courses typically don't require instructor-in-person instruction or synchronous learning, and they aim to impart a specific ability or produce one result. The scale of mobile courses can help it be more affordable than classes that demand more staff, maintenance, scheduling, and research.

What are the drawbacks from mobile education?

Just like everything else the internet has its drawbacks, there are some disadvantages of mobile learning that you should consider as well. Mobile learning can leave students vulnerable to distractions, lack interactions with others, depend on technology to much, not provide personalization, and exclude students with no access to quality technologies. Let's explore each reason more down below:

    Distractions    

One of the advantages of mobile learning in education is that it requires students to be able to access their material via an smartphone. But, it also means that students are much more likely to become disengaged.

Students will likely get emails, text messages as well as social media updates during their lessons. This can lead to a lack of participation and even completion rates to decline.

    Lack of social interaction    

M-learning can encourage students to make meaningful connections on the internet, but it doesn't provide to have meaningful interaction in person.

Some students can be more comfortable in an isolated and self-paced environment, others could rely on their social connections to motivate them. This is especially evident when students are enrolled in courses that require an ongoing commitment.

    Reliance on tech    

Like eLearning, M-learning, is entirely reliant on technology. Designers should consider operating system compatibility and optimizing for mobile devices, or else risk making unwieldy and hard-to-use courses.

Reliance on tech can also eliminate skills that depend on practical experience. For example, artists and mechanics could have trouble developing real-world skills, without direct feedback and instruction in person.

    Unprofessional personalization    

Personalized feedback often comes from an individual mentor, class teacher, or co-leader. Despite engaging assessments like interactive quizzes and tests, students can still not receive personalized feedback when they're enrolled in online learning classes, making difficult to master and improve their skills.

    Poor technology    

Though the majority of students have access modern technology and reliable internetaccess, there are some who don't. Certain students might be learning using outdated technology or unreliable electricity and internet access.

Mobile learning does offer an opportunity for education to the majority of students, but it may restrict access to students who do not have the tools for online learning. It is important to think about the target market and make sure you design a course that is accessible to them.

Find the balance in mobile learning

What is an advantage for some could be a disadvantage for other students. For example, the extreme flexibility of a self-paced course might be demotivating for some audience members. Ultimately, it's up to you to find the ideal balance for the target audience and then design the course accordingly.

However, the creators have the ability to outweigh limitations of mobile learning, and design higher-quality, accessible as well as inclusive classes than ever previously. With the right content, you can utilize mobile technology to expand your reach as well as engage students. You can even build a community.

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