The mobile learning method is becoming a well-known method of learning for students all over the world. It's an excellent method for instructors to connect with new people and connect with students wherever they're spending their time with 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 and lives, it's no wonder that they're turning to phones or tablets as well as 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.

We will look into mobile learning's advantages and disadvantages and discover how mobile learning can benefit your learners.

Skip ahead:

•         What exactly is mobile learning (M-learning)?
•         What is the positives of learning on mobile devices?
•         Which are some disadvantages of mobile learning?
•         Find the balance on mobile-based learning

What is mobile learning (M-learning)?

What are the positives of learning on mobile devices?

There are many benefits for mobile learning, however we've listed six. They are accessibility, flexibility and motivation, as well as current content as well as engagement and cost. Let's look at each of them a bit more below:

    Accessibility    

One of the main benefits of mobile learning is access. 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 connect with a larger market.

    Flexibility    

Similar to accessibility but different, mobile learning gives students the freedom that synchronous or in-person courses can't. Students are able to complete their class at the time that they prefer regardless of whether they prefer working at 12 noon or 12 midnight.

And, if the course allows, students can take their time learning at their own speed. This gives them more flexibility as they can take the course in as little as an hour or for as long as few months.

    Motivation    

Both eLearning and mobile learning employ technologically advanced methods of teaching and evaluation. Methods like interactive quizzes and tests can gamify the course and encourage students to make progress and engage in the subject as well as remember key points.

Engaged and enthusiastic students is likely to be able to recall what they've learned , and go home satisfied.

    Present Content    

Because mobile learning courses live on the internet, they offer an amazing benefit of revision. The creators cannot alter physical textbooks, online coursesor webinars after they've been published. Online courses can.

Online course creators could benefit from this, and can update courses frequently as needed. This helps them to keep their classes relevant and useful to students.

    Engagement    

Duolingo is now the most frequently used app for learning different languages, thanks to its innovative methods such as microlearning. Students can take small-sized classes that are easy to complete regularly.

    Affordability    

Mobile learning courses typically don't require instructor-in-person instruction or synchronous learning They aim to teach one skill or achieve one outcome. The sheer size of a mobile course can help it be more affordable as opposed to courses that need additional staff, maintenance, scheduling, as well as research.

What are the drawbacks from mobile education?

Just like everything else, there are disadvantages of mobile learning to be considered in addition. Mobile learning can leave students open to distraction, lack social interaction, rely on technology too often, fail to provide personalization, and exclude students who do not have access to high-quality technologies. We'll explore the reasons down below:

    Distractions    

One of the many advantages of using mobile technology in education is the fact that it demands students to be able to access their material via a smartphone. But, it also means that students are much more likely to be distracted.

Students will likely receive text messages, emails or social media messages in their class. These distractions can cause engagement and completion to drop.

    Lack of social interaction    

M-learning can help students make important connections online but doesn't allow to have meaningful interaction in person.

Some students can be more comfortable in an isolated and self-paced setting, others may depend on social relationships to keep them motivated. This can become even more evident when students are enrolled in courses that require long-term engagement.

    Reliance on technology    

Similar to e-learning, M-learning relies on technology. The creators need to think about compatibility with operating systems and optimization for mobile devices or risk creating awkward or difficult to use courses.

Reliance on technology may also exclude skills that rely on practical experience. Artists or mechanics might have difficulty mastering real-world skills with no personal feedback and instruction in person.

    Poor personalization    

Personalized feedback often comes from an individual mentor, class teacher, or co-leader. Even with engaging tests like exams and interactive tests however, students may miss out on personalized feedback when they're enrolled in learning programs that are mobile, which makes it harder to learn and acquire new abilities.

    Poor technology    

Though the majority of students have access the latest technology and reliable internetaccess, not everyone does. Certain students might be learning with older tech or have unreliable electricity and internet access.

Mobile learning does offer access to education for some, however it could restrict access to learners who don't have the right equipment for online education. Consider your target audience and make sure you design a course that's accessible to the students.

Find the balance with mobile education

The advantages for some may be a disadvantage for others. For example, the extreme degree of flexibility offered by a self-paced class might be demotivating for some audiences. Ultimately, it's up to you to find the ideal balance for your target audience and create accordingly.

However, the creators have the ability to outweigh mobile learning disadvantages and make more accessible, high-quality, and inclusive courses more than they ever have previously. With the right content, mobile technology allows you to connect with people around the world, engage students, and develop a network of students.

If you're thinking of creating an online course, give it a try absolutely no cost! You'll get the course creation, marketing, and selling instruments you'll need to make your course into a mobile learning business.