The mobile learning method is becoming a widely used method of learning by people worldwide. It's an excellent method for instructors to reach new audiences and interact with students at the places they spend 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.

As people continue to integrate technology into their daily routines It's not surprising that more and more people turn to their phones or tablets as well as laptops for learning. Mobile learning offers students freedom like they've never seen before in their quest to learn new skills as well as hobbies, trades and even careers.

We will look into the advantages and drawbacks of mobile learning and explore how m learning can aid your learners.

Skip ahead:

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

What exactly is mobile learning (M-learning)?

What are some positives of learning on mobile devices?

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

    Accessibility    

One of the major 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. This makes mobile learning extremely versatile and can help creators reach a much wider audience.

    Flexibility    

Like accessibility, but with a differently, mobile learning provides students the freedom that synchronous or in-person courses can't. Students are able to finish the course whenever it works best for them, whether they like to work at 12 noon or 12 midnight.

If the course allows, students can study at their own pace. This offers them even more flexibility as they can take this course as quickly as an hour or as long as a several months.

    Motivation    

Both eLearning and mobile learning utilize technologically advanced methods of teaching and evaluation. Methods like interactive quizzes and tests can be gamified to encourage students to make progress by engaging with the content as well as remember key points.

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

    The Current Content    

Since mobile learning classes are on the internet, they offer an unique benefit of revision. Creators can't easily alter physical textbooks, online courses, and even webinars once they've been released. Online courses can.

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

    Engagement    

Duolingo has become the world's most frequently used app for learning new languages by implementing fun methods, such as microlearning. The app provides students with bite-sized lessons which are simple to follow on a regular basis.

    Affordability    

Mobile learning courses typically don't require in-person or synchronous instruction They aim to train one particular technique or attain a single outcome. The size of mobile courses can be much less expensive than classes that demand additional staff and maintenance, as well as scheduling and even research.

What are the disadvantages of mobile learning?

Like everything else, there are disadvantages of mobile learning to consider in addition. Students who learn via mobile devices are exposed to distractions, do not provide interpersonal interaction, use technology to much, not provide personalization, and exclude students who do not have access to high-quality technologies. We'll explore the reasons in the following sections:

    Distractions    

One of the advantages of using mobile technology in schools is that it requires learners to be able to access their material via a smartphone. But, it also means that learners are more likely to get distracted.

Students will likely be receiving text messages, emails as well as social media updates during their lessons. These distractions can cause the students' engagement to decrease and their completion rate to fall.

    Social interaction is not present    

M-learning can help students make important connections online but doesn't allow for meaningful in-person interactions.

Although some students might be more comfortable in an isolated and focused environment, other students could rely on their social connections to keep them motivated. This is especially evident when students are enrolled in a course that requires an ongoing commitment.

    Reliance on technology    

Similar to e-learning, M-learning relies on technology. Creators must consider operating system compatibility and optimization for mobile devices or risk creating awkward or difficult to use courses.

Relying on technology can eliminate skills that depend on experience. As an example, for instance, artists and mechanics may struggle with learning real-world skills without personal feedback or in-person training.

    Unprofessional personalization    

Personalized feedback often comes from an individual mentor, class teacher, or co-leader. Even with engaging tests like test-taking and quizzes that are interactive, students can still not receive personal feedback when they're in learning programs that are mobile, which makes it harder to learn and develop new skills.

    Poor technology    

While most students are equipped with modern technology and reliable internet, not everyone does. Students may be working with older tech or have unreliable electricity and internet access.

It can be a great way to gain the opportunity to learn for the majority of students, but it may restrict access to students without the necessary equipment for online education. You'll have to consider your target audience and make sure you design a course that is accessible to them.

Find the right balance with mobile education

What may be a benefit for some may have a negative impact on some. In particular, the extreme degree of flexibility offered by a self-paced class might be demotivating for some audiences. In the end, it's your responsibility to determine an appropriate balance with the target audience and then design your course in line with that.

In any case, developers can overcome mobile learning disadvantages and make higher-quality, accessible, and inclusive courses than ever before. When you've got the right content you can utilize mobile technology to reach across the globe, engage students, and even build a community.

If you're considering developing an online course take a test for absolutely no cost! The course will include the creation, marketing, and selling equipment you require to transform your course into an online education business.