Mobile Learning - A Convenient Approach to Lifelong Learning

“Learning in different contexts, through social and content exchanges, using personal electronic devices” is called mobile learning, or m-learning. M-learners employ mobile device educational technologies at their convenience as a type of remote education.

Mobile phones, tablets, notebooks, MP3 players, and handheld computers are examples of m-learning technology. The main focus of m-learning is the learner’s mobility when interacting with portable technologies. An essential component of informal learning is using mobile devices to provide learning resources.

M-learning is practical because it can be accessed from almost anywhere. Everyone using the same content shares almost instantly, which allows for a quick exchange of criticism and advice. By substituting compact devices with individually designed learning materials for books and notes, m-learning also offers excellent portability. M-learning also has the added advantage of being economically advantageous because tablet-based digital content is becoming much more affordable than traditional media. For instance, a digital textbook has zero marginal cost and costs between one-third and half as much as a paper textbook.

This methodology presents various opportunities, including more varied and expansive access to information. Also, it provides transformative innovations, including the expansion of informal and playful activities, recognizable virtual membership, and networks of cordial social interaction within new value scales.

APPROACHES

CLASSROOM

Class Management

With communication apps, interactive displays, fast response codes, and video features, mobile devices can be used in traditional classroom settings to improve student-centered learning and group collaboration. Mobile technology apps improved collaboration, grasp of concepts, and communication.

Textbooks, visual aids, and presentation technologies can replace mobile technology.
Students can interact with and manipulate information using interactive and multimodal technologies.
Wi-Fi capabilities on mobile devices enable on-demand access to information.
A continuum for learning inside and outside the classroom is provided via mobile device access to school materials and information.

Distance learning

Online learning environments can benefit from the use of mobile devices.
Mobile phones can transmit information, such as the availability of assignment results, venue changes, cancellations, etc., to students enrolled in distance education programs or whose courses demand that they be very mobile.
Mobile devices make it easier for students and teachers to communicate online. Real-time contact is made feasible via mobile devices, giving students access to quick feedback. Mobile devices, which offer real-time reports on student progress and allow teachers to adjust and customize their instruction, can also be used by educators to evaluate student comprehension.

WORK

In the workplace context, m-learning can include many learning methods. According to its definition, it is the “processes of knowing and being able to operate successfully in, and across, new and ever-changing contexts, including learning for, at, and via work, by employing mobile devices.”

Workplace mobile learning
Mobile learning at and while working
Intercontextual mobile learning

Learning for work, sometimes known as “just-in-case” learning, involves traditional and formal education activities, including training programs that prepare students for upcoming responsibilities linked to their line of work. Delivering mobile compliance training is a common corporate application that is a practical way to reach geographically mobile personnel, such as consultants or staff in logistical and transportation systems. Mobile simulations, such as real-time SMS-based training simulations for disaster response, are another tool for preparing students for future circumstances.

Learning happens in informal learning environments at work, called “just-in-time” mobile learning. By accessing informative sources prior to customer visits or mobile decision support systems, employees can use mobile phones to handle problems on the spot. The latter is more common in clinical settings where they assist highly mobile medical staff in making decisions regarding complex patient cases using rule-based algorithms. Its use was linked to education and, more specifically, practice enhancement for medical staff. Interacting over the phone with faraway co-workers also facilitates learning while at work. “People tagging” is a strategy where individuals tag co-workers with familiar topics.

The strongest potential for work-based mobile learning, particularly for tertiary education institutions, is cross-contextual learning, bridging the gap between work situations and formal education formats. It entails methods for facilitating and supporting learning in the workplace, such as formative assessments, reflective inquiries, or the recording of individual accomplishments in multimedia learning diaries or portfolios. Later, the contents developed this way are applied in more formal educational settings.

The importance of these mobile phone-mediated learning activities rests in the fusion and reconciliation of formal education experiences and work-based learning, which are typically kept apart.

LIFELONG LEARNING AND SELF-LEARNING

Language learning is also aided by mobile technology and methodologies, such as mobile-assisted language learning (MALL).

OTHERS

Increasing young adults’ participation in education, literacy, and numeracy skills.
Using a mobile phone’s communication capabilities as a component of a wider learning activity, such as exporting audio files from a learning platform to your phone or sending media or texts to a central portfolio.
Enhancing Kids’ and young adults’ Preparation for the Workforce

VALUE

The following value declarations in support of m-learning have been made by tutors who have utilized m-learning methodologies and systems.

New technology needs to be introduced in the classroom.
The utilized technology is lighter than books and computers.
The types of learning activities students engage in can be diversified with the help of mobile learning.
Instead of being fundamental to the learning process, mobile learning supplements it.
Mobile learning can be a beneficial supplemental resource for students with specific needs. However, this may depend on the particular limitations or challenges the student faces with SMS and MMS.
The “hook” of mobile learning can be utilized to re-engage disgruntled youngsters.
M-Learning can be developed to incorporate formative scoring and assessment with decision-making in challenging learning settings.
You may access Mobile Learning courses both online and offline.

BENEFITS

Opportunities that are reasonably priced, given that mobile devices cost a lot less than PCs and laptops do
Possibilities for creating and distributing multimedia content
Support for ongoing and situational learning
Reduction in training expenses
Possibly a more fruitful educational experience
new possibilities for institutes of higher learning
A/synchronous learning experience that is easily accessible
Costs of textbooks are falling
Access to tailored content Online knowledge access
Higher literacy rates