Mobile learning is an increasingly popular learning method for people across the globe. It's a fantastic opportunity for teachers to connect with new people and meet students where they're spending their time 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.

In the process of integrating technology into their daily routines and lives, it's no wonder that more and more people turn to their phones, tablets, and laptops for learning. Mobile learning offers students freedom like they've never seen before when they are exploring new abilities, hobbies, trades, as well as careers.

Let's look at mobile learning's pros and cons and discover how mobile learning could benefit your students.

Skip ahead:

•         What exactly is the definition of mobile learning (M-learning)?
•         What's mobile learning advantages?
•         What are some disadvantages of Mobile learning?
•         Discover the right balance with mobile education

What is Mobile Learning (M-learning)?

What are some mobile learning advantages?

There are many advantages of mobile learning. However, we've identified 6. The benefits include flexibility, accessibility in content, motivation, engagement, and affordability. Let's look at each one a little more below:

    Accessibility    

One of the main benefits of mobile learning is access. The courses that are online can be accessed and students are able to access their classes from any part of the world. Mobile learning is extremely adaptable and helps creators connect with a larger public.

    Flexibility    

Similar to accessibility but different, mobile learning gives students the freedom that traditional or in-person training courses don't. Students are able to finish the course at whatever time works best for them and their schedule, regardless of whether they want working at 12 noon or at 12 midnight.

If the course allows, students can take their time learning at their own speed. This gives them more flexibility as they could complete this course as quickly as a couple of hours, or for as long as several months.

    Motivation    

Both eLearning as well as mobile learning use technology-savvy teaching methods and evaluation. Techniques such as interactive quizzes and tests are a great way to gamify the course and encourage learners to improve their performance by engaging with the content as well as remember key points.

A motivated and engaged student will be more likely to retain what they've learned , and go home happy.

    Present Content    

Because mobile learning courses live online, they enjoy the unique benefit of revision. Creators can't easily alter physical textbooks, online courses, and even webinars after they've been published. Online courses can.

Course creators online could benefit from this and regularly update courses whenever they are required. This can help keep classes relevant and useful to students.

    Engagement    

Duolingo has become the world's most frequently used app for learning new languages through engaging methods like microlearning. It gives students bite-sized lessons which are simple to follow every day.

    Affordability    

The majority of mobile learning courses don't require in-person or synchronous instruction as they are designed to teach one technique or attain a single outcome. The scale of a mobile learning course could make it much more affordable than classes that demand additional staff, maintenance, scheduling, and even research.

What are some disadvantages from mobile education?

Just like everything else the internet has its drawbacks, there are some disadvantages of mobile learning to be considered also. Students who learn via mobile devices are exposed to distractions, do not provide interpersonal interaction, use technology too often, fail to provide personalization, and exclude students without access to good technology. We'll explore the reasons down below:

    Distractions    

One of the numerous advantages of using mobile technology in schools is the fact that it demands students to access the material through a mobile device. But, it also means that the students are more likely to get disengaged.

Students will likely receive text messages, emails or social media messages in their class. This can lead to a lack of the students' engagement to decrease and their completion rate to fall.

    Social interaction is not present    

M-learning may help students make important connections via the Internet, but does not allow the possibility of meaningful interactions in person.

Although some students might thrive in a more isolated and self-paced environment, others may depend on social relationships to motivate them. This is especially noticeable when students enroll in courses that require long-term engagement.

    Reliance on technology    

Like eLearning, M-learning depends entirely on technology. The creators need to think about compatibility with operating systems and the best way to optimize for mobile devices or risk creating awkward or difficult to use courses.

Reliance on technology may also eliminate skills that depend on experience. As an example, for instance, artists or mechanics might have difficulty developing real-world skills, without direct feedback and instruction in person.

    Personalization is poor    

Personalized feedback often comes from a 1-on-1 mentor, in-class teacher, or co-leader. In spite of engaging assessments such as interactive quizzes and tests however, students may be left without personal feedback when they're in learning programs that are mobile, which makes it harder to learn and develop new skills.

    Poor technology    

While many students have access to the latest technology and reliable internetaccess, there are some who don't. Certain students might be learning with older tech or have intermittent internet or electricity.

The mobile learning model can provide access to education for some, however it could still limit access to students without the necessary equipment for online education. It is important to think about the target market and make sure that you create a program that is accessible to them.

Find the balance in mobile learning

The advantages for some may have a negative impact on other students. For example, the extreme flexibility of a self-paced course could be disorienting for certain viewers. Ultimately, it's up to you to find the right balance for your target audience and create your course in line with that.

In any case, developers can overcome limitations of mobile learning, and design the most accessible, top-quality educational and accessible courses that have never been offered before. With the right content, you can utilize mobile technology to connect with people around the world as well as engage students. You can even build a community.

If you're thinking of creating an online course, try for free! It will provide the course design as well as the marketing and selling instruments you'll need to make your course into an online education business.