Mobile devices as teaching tools are becoming more common now.
With technology enabled solutions, teachers and students are being able to have better enriching experiences when their practices are enhanced with the use of technology. Based on a Google report, more and more people use only their mobile devices compared to those who use only their desktop PCs. Furthermore, 40% of people rely mainly on their smartphones.
Other post by LearnDash suggests that 29% of mobile learners believe that they apply what they learn quickly (compared to 24% of non-mobile learners) and Mobile learning is motivating. One survey showed that 70% of students were more motivated to learn when mobile devices were being leveraged.
Lynda states that smartphone learners complete course material 45% faster than those using a computer. Another finding by MNAlearning is that mobile learners typically study for 40 minutes longer than students using a desktop or tablet. Also, Gartner predicts that 45% of businesses will have a BYOD policy by 2020.
Based on the stats above it is evident that mobile learning does improve learning output and so are incorporated in the classrooms widely. Few characteristics that we see as the reason for a better output of the mobile learning are stated below.
Read them below!
1. Personalized Learning Modules:
Within educational apps and games are options for individual student logins. This gives students the chance to work at their own pace, taking extra time in the areas where they need it most. Mobile lessons can be tailored to individuals’ academic strengths and weaknesses, providing educational supplementation that helps to fill any crucial gaps in learning.
2. Text-Response Programs:
There are websites that allow teachers to send homework or test questions to students via text, and then ask for responses, do result in a more interactive approach to learning. Most of the programs that facilitate this technology allow for real-time feedback on the answers, allowing students to learn from mistakes and put it all in context in the moment.
Also, there are ways with which teachers can create online exercises and learners can receive instant feedback such as grading of questions without waiting for the teacher to check.
3. Seamless Cloud Learning:
Using mobile technology that is connected to the cloud means that students can transition from working in the classroom to working at home or anywhere else easily, as long as they have access to a mobile device. This saves time and improves organizational skills for students. Learners can access lessons and learning feedback anywhere using their devices.
4. Usability:
Mobile-owning learners know how to use their devices, thus the barrier to learning how to use new mobile educational technology is low. So this becomes one big advantage for the tech enabled classrooms as students are already familiar with the usage of their devices.
Other reason that makes mobile learning a go to approach is the mobile user base and how it can actually help in democratizing education. For instance, this post talks about how mobile learning has helped many African countries. The source states, “In many African countries, landline ownership is minimal and learners do not have access to broadband internet. Mobile devices, however, provide connectivity and the possibility for online and social learning (as well as text-service learning for learners whose households do not own a smart phone).
Mobile communication in Africa enables teachers, parents and learners to share knowledge and develop stronger educational frameworks. The UN’s mobile learning specialist Steve Vosloo claims ‘mobiles are streamlining education administration and improving communication between schools, teachers and parents’”.
Living in tech centric times where smartphone is one device we will find with everyone; what is your take on the mobile learning? What have been your experiences with the incorporation of mobile technology in the classroom?
