What is mobile learning?

Table of Contents

Powerful and portable electronic devices, such as handheld computers, tablets, smartphones, and MP3 players, have revolutionized the way we access and use information. With fast and reliable wireless communication systems and billions of webpages available on the internet, we can now acquire and use information anywhere and anytime. This abundance of information, both quantitatively and qualitatively rich, can be utilized for learning purposes, making it a form of mobile learning (or m-learning).
Mobile learning is a flexible and accessible approach to learning that allows learners to access educational content and learning materials anytime and anywhere, using portable electronic devices. This technology-driven approach to learning has gained popularity in recent years due to its convenience, flexibility, and effectiveness.
Mobile learning can take many forms, such as text-based learning, video-based learning, audio-based learning, interactive quizzes, and games. It can be used in various educational contexts, including schools, universities, workplaces, and informal learning environments.
One of the most significant advantages of mobile learning is its ability to provide personalized and adaptive learning experiences. Learners can access learning materials and educational content that is tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Furthermore, mobile learning can enhance engagement and motivation through the use of multimedia and interactive elements.
Overall, mobile learning is an exciting and innovative approach to learning that has the potential to transform the way we acquire and use knowledge in the digital age.

The Benefits of Electronic Devices in Mobile Learning

Mobile learning has revolutionized the way we acquire knowledge and skills by leveraging powerful and portable electronic devices such as tablets, smartphones, and MP3 players. The flexibility, efficiency, and affordability of mobile learning have made it possible to learn anywhere and anytime, well beyond the traditional classroom setting.
One example of the effectiveness of mobile learning is in language learning, where learners can use electronic maps on their tablets or smartphones to navigate and find directions in the street, which can be more effective than learning similar content in the classroom. Similarly, in science and engineering, powerful software can simulate complex phenomena and systems with user interaction, allowing learners to learn independently without the need for assistance.
Interactive HTML5 Math Applets for Mobile Learning have been designed to assist learners without the need for an instructor. These applets provide interactive visualizations and simulations of mathematical concepts, allowing learners to explore and understand complex mathematical ideas at their own pace.
Another example, Khan Academy offers a vast library of educational videos in various subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and many others. Learners can follow step-by-step problem-solving in these videos, enabling them to learn independently, at their own speed, and without the need for a teacher.
Electronic devices used in mobile learning offer several benefits that make learning more flexible, efficient, and effective. These benefits extend well beyond the traditional classroom setting and enable learners to acquire knowledge and skills independently and at their own pace.

Features of Mobile learning

Mobile learning (or m-learning) has several features that make it a unique and effective approach to learning. Here are some of the key features of mobile learning:

• Portability: One of the most significant features of mobile learning is its portability. Learners can access educational content and learning materials anytime and anywhere, using portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
• Flexibility: Mobile learning is a flexible approach to learning, allowing learners to access educational content and learning materials at their own pace and in their preferred location. It is not limited by time or location, making it suitable for both formal and informal learning environments.
• Personalization: Mobile learning can provide personalized and adaptive learning experiences. Learners can access educational content that is tailored to their individual needs and preferences, making learning more effective and engaging.
• Multimedia: Mobile learning often uses multimedia and interactive elements to enhance engagement and motivation. This can include video, audio, quizzes, games, and other interactive elements that make learning more engaging and enjoyable.
• Collaboration: Mobile learning can also facilitate collaboration and social learning. Learners can connect with peers and instructors, share information and resources, and engage in group discussions and activities.
• Access to information: Mobile learning provides learners with access to a vast amount of information and educational resources available on the internet. This allows learners to explore topics of interest and learn beyond the limits of traditional classroom settings.
• Constructivism: Mobile learning can be a powerful tool for constructivist learning approaches, allowing learners to actively construct their understanding and engage in meaningful and authentic learning experiences.
• Interactivity: Mobile devices offer a range of interactive features that can be leveraged to create engaging and interactive learning experiences. Here are some examples of how interactivity can be incorporated into mobile learning:
  • Quizzes and assessments: Mobile devices can be used to deliver quizzes and assessments that allow learners to test their knowledge and understanding. These quizzes can include multiple-choice questions, true-false questions, and other interactive elements that provide immediate feedback and reinforcement.
  • Games and simulations: Mobile devices can be used to deliver games and simulations that provide immersive and interactive learning experiences. These games and simulations can be designed to reinforce key concepts, test knowledge and understanding, and provide a fun and engaging learning experience.
  • Multimedia content: Mobile devices can be used to deliver multimedia content, such as videos, animations, and interactive graphics. These interactive elements can help to illustrate complex concepts and engage learners in a more immersive learning experience.
  • Collaboration and social learning: Mobile devices can facilitate collaboration and social learning by providing learners with tools to connect and collaborate with peers and instructors. This can include messaging, discussion forums, and collaborative tools for working on projects and assignments.
  • Personalization: Mobile devices can be used to deliver personalized and adaptive learning experiences that are tailored to the learner's individual needs and preferences. This can include personalized learning paths, recommendations based on past performance, and feedback that is tailored to the learner's strengths and weaknesses.

Links and References

1) Handbook of Mobile Learning, Berge Zane, Zane L. Berge, Lin Muilenburg Routledge, 2013.
2) Mobile Learning: A Handbook for Educators and Trainers edited by Agnes Kukulska-Hulme, John Traxler (google book)
3) The Evolution of Mobile Teaching and Learning edited by Retta Guy (google book)