7 things you should know about mobile learning

Running header: 7 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MOBILE LEARNING 1

M-learning

1.What is it?

Mobile learning is defined as the use of electronic devices to learnacross multiple contents and through social and content interactionsat your convenience. It is a form of distance learning centered onmobile device educational technology the aims of facilitatingeducation. The primary focus of m-learning is the mobility of thelearner and his/her ability to interact with portable devices(Marzouki, Idrissi, and Bennani, 2017). Through the use of portabledevices such as tablets and mobile phones access education anytimeanywhere and use audio, video, pictures and text to ensureunderstanding. It introduces a spectrum of education in which thelearner has control over his/her speed of learning and methodology. Mobile phones are accessible this form of education that has toalternate the dynamics of teaching.

2.How does it work?

M-learning is a product of the growing technological advancements. Ina review of the last 15 years, there have been tremendousimprovements in mobile phone technology, hardware, specifications andownership., The increased popularity of cell phones specificallysmartphone has diversified various sectors such as money transfer andeducation (Cook, 2016). The primary elements of the technique arethe teacher, student, content, environment, and assessment. Thelearning method uses Smartphones and tablets as its tools andplatform. In the classroom, mobile devices act as a replacement fortextbooks, visual aids, and presentation technology. Through the cellphones, access to information on demand is easier thus making itsimpler to learn inside and outside the classroom. The form ofeducation makes it easier to for long distance learning. It makes iteasier for the student to submit assignments, acquire assignmentresults, and receive class notifications. M-learning also plays asignificant role in facilitating online courses. This makes it easierfor individuals with tight schedules to learn with time flexibility.Through podcasts, one can access additional audio and visualinformation on a lecture or a particular topic. It also facilitatesthe communication between the instructor and the student thusmaximizing learning.

3.Who’s doing it?

The ability to access mobile phones has considerably increased thenumber of m-learning users. However, m-learning is used widely inhigher education. Colleges have adopted the system whereby classcommunications, additional information are passed through classonline forums (Cook, 2016). Thus, lectures are recorded and sharedsuch that later the student can rely on the listen and understandbetter. This facilitates the quick transmission of information fromthe teacher to the student and further interactions past class times.M-learning has made it easier for the teacher to reference onlineinformation where the student may acquire more data. In the contextof online courses, the students help themselves to learn additionalskills to broaden their knowledge. Besides higher education,m-learning has also been implemented in elementary schools. In thisset-up, portable devices are used to enhance learning through visualand audio aids. Thus, the students use tablets filled witheducational applications and e-textbooks to receive instructions,record measurements, and conduct, research.

4. Why is it significant?

The nature of m-learning makes it a unique experience that relies onits flexibility, versatility and effectively (AlTameemy, 2017). Themobile phone and tablet are lightweight devices that do not requireskills to operate. Thus, it is efficient and easier to implement themacross all educational stages. The number of current number ofsmartphone users is approximately 2.6 billion. This accounts for athird of the world’s population. Thus, as an instrument that canact as a baseline for all these people, it is a potential avenueeducation can use to access the masses (Kattayat, Josey, and JV,2017). Besides, the online population has grown massively due totechnological advancements. M-learning aligns with the onlineplatform as it can accommodate the learner’s preferred schedule.Further, through this the teacher may tailor the video and addquizzes to ensure a high level of understanding. The significance ofthis emerging educational genre as there is a lot of informationonline thus may be used to improve literacy and numeric skills(Marzouki, Idrissi, and Bennani, 2017). It can also be used to helpthe learner identify where they need assistance and support, overcomedigital divide and make learning an informal process thus enablingexcellent understanding.

5. What are the downsides?

However, mobile learning has various cons. It is a system thatdepends on personal motivation of the learner. Unlike traditionallearning forms such as lectures and forums, m-learning relies onpersonal drive. Its time flexibility may create a rapport, in whichthe learner is slower on learning hence ineffective (Alrasheedi,Capretz, and Raza, 2015). Additionally, the system lacks a credibleway of assessing learning outside the classroom (Li and Yang, 2016).The lack of an appropriate theory of learning makes it hard for thisform to facilitate learning across many contexts. Technologicalchanges also offer challenges as content and copyright may be easilyaccessed. The already developed e-learning system also poses achallenge, as there are conceptual distinctions and a need torecreate e-learning material for the mobile platform.

6. Where is it going?

Technological advancements necessitate mobile learning. Highereducation has already started using m-learning. Its easyapplicability will increase the tendency of colleges recommending theuse of this form. Its versatility ensures that students turn to itfor further learning. M-learning is offering a learning solution asit is easily customizable and accessed (Brown and Mbati, 2015). Thewide range of information on case studies, lectures, and notesascertain its role in the life of a college student. In addition, theintroduction of m-learning to elementary school is essential for thefuture generation. The implementation of technology not only as a wayof enhancing learning but also as a topic of review among elementarychildren will enable them to grow up with a good understanding oftechnological advancements. The next stop will be in the high schoollevel. In this level, a framework should be implemented to ensure itis effectively.

7. What are the implications for teaching and learning?

The education sector around the world needs to integrate withtechnology. M-learning is a brilliant avenue for achieving this goal.Since the students are empowered to use their mobile technologies tonegotiate across physical and virtual boundaries, educators shouldrethink their existing pedagogical patterns, thereby realizing someof the promises of contextualized participatory science learning(Burden and Kearney, 2016). The teacher-centered methodology needs tobe updated to fit the needs of the new era. This method based on thetransmission of knowledge through lectures, presentations, andseminars only focuses on knowledge memorization and lack of personalinvolvement in the learning activity. However, m-learning offers away out of integrating knowledge and technology. Further, thispromotes social interaction, collaborations problem-solving andcritical thinking as it creates an environment that favorscreativity, autonomy, and efficiency. The introduction of theseskills to the learner is entirely dependent on the education systemand methodology (Sung, Chang, and Liu, 2016). Thus, m-learning shouldbe implemented into teaching and learning system with the aim ofbreeding an efficient and effective generation.

References

Alrasheedi,M., Capretz, L. F., &amp Raza, A. (2015). A systematic review of thecritical factors for success of mobile learning in higher education(University Students` Perspective). Journal of Educational ComputingResearch, 52(2), 257-276.

AlTameemy,F. (2017). Mobile Phones for Teaching and Learning: Implementationand Students’ and Teachers’ Attitudes. Journal of EducationalTechnology Systems, 45(3), 436-451.

Brown,T. H., &amp Mbati, L. S. (2015). Mobile learning: Moving past themyths and embracing the opportunities. The International Review ofResearch in Open and Distributed Learning, 16(2).

Burden,K., &amp Kearney, M. (2016). Future scenarios for mobile sciencelearning. Research in Science Education, 46(2), 287-308.

Cook,E. (2016). The Future of mLearning Begins with a Baseline Pedagogy.Internet Learning, 4(2), 3.

Kattayat,S., Josey, S., &amp JV, A. (2017). Mobile Learning Apps inInstruction and Students Achievement. International Journal ofInteractive Mobile Technologies, 11(1).

Li,X., &amp Yang, X. (2016). Effects of Learning Styles and Interest onConcentration and Achievement of Students in Mobile Learning. Journalof Educational Computing Research, 54(7), 922-945.

Marzouki,O. F., Idrissi, M. K., &amp Bennani, S. (2017). Effects of SocialConstructivist Mobile Learning Environments on Knowledge Acquisition:A Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Interactive MobileTechnologies, 11(1).

RethinkingMobile Learning in Light of Current Theories and Studies

Sung,Y. T., Chang, K. E., &amp Liu, T. C. (2016). The effects ofintegrating mobile devices with teaching and learning on students`learning performance: A meta-analysis and research synthesis.Computers &amp Education, 94, 252-275.