The mobile learning method is becoming a popular learning method for people across the globe. It's an excellent way for course creators to connect with new people and connect with students wherever 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, tablets, and laptops for learning. Learning via mobile gives students the flexibility unlike anything they've ever experienced before in their quest to learn new skills, hobbies, trades, as well as careers.

Let's take a look at mobile learning's pros and cons and discover how mobile learning could help your learners.

Skip ahead:

•         What is the definition of mobile learning (M-learning)?
•         What is mobile learning advantages?
•         Which are some advantages of mobile learning?
•         Discover the balance with mobile education

What exactly is the definition of mobile learning (M-learning)?

What are the mobile learning advantages?

There are plenty of advantages to mobile learning, but we've compiled 6. These include accessibility, flexibility in content, motivation, engagement, and affordability. Let's explore each one a little more in the following paragraphs:

    Accessibility    

One of the significant advantages of mobile learning is its accessibility. The courses that are online can be accessed, so students can access their courses from anywhere in the world. It makes mobile learning versatile and can help creators connect with a larger market.

    Flexibility    

Similar to accessibility but distinct, mobile learning offers students the flexibility that synchronous or in-person courses can't. Students are able to finish the class at the time that works best for them and their schedule, regardless of whether they want to work at 12 noon or 12 midnight.

In addition, if the program permits, the students are able to take their time learning at their own speed. It gives them additional flexibility as they could complete the course as short as a couple of hours, or for as long as several months.

    Motivation    

Both eLearning and mobile learning employ tech-savvy methods for teaching and assessment. Techniques such as interactive quizzes and tests can make the learning more fun and motivate learners to improve their performance by engaging with the content, and recall important points.

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

    Present Content    

Since mobile learning courses are online, they enjoy the amazing benefit of revision. The creators cannot modify physical textbooks, live coursesor webinars after they've been published. Online courses can.

Online course creators could benefit from this feature and update their courses regularly when needed. This can help keep the courses current and relevant for students.

    Engagement    

Duolingo has grown to become the most popular app to learn new languages through innovative methods such as microlearning. Students can take small-sized classes that are easy to complete every day.

    Affordability    

The majority of mobile learning courses don't need in-person or synchronous training as they are designed to train one particular skill or achieve one outcome. The scale of a mobile course can make it much more affordable than classes that demand more staff and maintenance, as well as scheduling as well as research.

What are some disadvantages from mobile education?

Just like everything else it is true that there are drawbacks to mobile learning to consider as well. Mobile learning can leave students open to distraction, lack interpersonal interaction, use tech too much, lack the ability to personalize, and even exclude students who do not have access to high-quality technology. Let's explore each reason more down below:

    Distractions    

One of the advantages of mobile learning in schools is that it requires students to access the material through a mobile device. This also means students are much more likely to be distracted.

Students are likely to be receiving text messages, emails or social media messages during their lessons. They can reduce participation and even completion rates to decline.

    Lack of social interaction    

M-learning may help students make important connections via the Internet, but does not allow to have meaningful interaction in person.

Although some students might prefer a more private and self-paced setting, others might rely on relationships with others to keep them motivated. This can become even more noticeable when students enroll in courses that require long-term engagement.

    Reliance on technology    

Similar to e-learning, M-learning depends entirely on technology. Designers should think about compatibility with operating systems and optimizing for mobile devices, or risk creating awkward and difficult-to-use classes.

Reliance on tech can also eliminate skills that depend on experience. Artists and mechanics may struggle with developing real-world skills, without direct feedback or in-person training.

    Unprofessional personalization    

Personalized feedback often comes from an individual mentor, class instructor, or cohort leader. Even with engaging tests like test-taking and quizzes that are interactive, students can still be left without personalized feedback when they're enrolled in learning programs that are mobile, which makes it harder to learn and develop new skills.

    Poor technology    

Although the majority of students have access modern technology and reliable internet, there are some who don't. Some students may be learning on older technology or with unreliable electricity and internet access.

It can be a great way to gain an opportunity for education to the majority of students, but it may still limit access to learners who don't have the right tools for online learning. Consider the target market and make sure to create a course that's accessible to the students.

Find the perfect balance with mobile education

What is an advantage to some might have a negative impact on others. For example, the extreme degree of flexibility offered by a self-paced class could be disorienting for certain audiences. In the end, 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 mobile learning disadvantages and make more accessible, high-quality, and inclusive courses that have never been offered previously. If you have the appropriate content, mobile technology can be used to connect with people around the world, engage students, and create a sense of 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 tools you need to turn your course into a mobile learning business.