2. M-LEARNING
Mobile learning, also known as M-learning, is a new way to access learning content using
mobiles.
Mobile learning supports, with the help of mobile devices, continuous access to the learning
process.
This can be done using devices like phone, laptop or tablet.
It refers to any teaching and learning that happens with the use of mobile devices.
3. Importance of M-learning
• It is important to bring new technology into the classroom
• Devices used are more lightweight than books
• Mobile learning can ne used to re-engage disaffected youth
• It’s more about individual consumption. There is no interaction between the trainer
and the learners
• Instructors ask questions and the learners answer them using their mobile devices
or communicate between themselves in a group discussion forum. It’s possible to
get immediate feedback. This is especially effective when training large groups.
4. ADVANTAGES
• Accessibility: Being able to access learning content anywhere allows students to
learn on a flexible basis, in a location that suits them, (bus, train, cafe), and at a time
that suits them too.
• Supports self-paced learning: People learn at different rates, and mobile learning
allows people to learn in their own way at their own individual pace. Compare this to
a classroom where learners are generally restricted to the pace set by the trainer,
which often causes frustration.
5. • Can suit multiple learning styles: Unlike classroom learning, mobile learning can be
moulded to suit different learning styles and to increase learner engagement. For
example text, images, video, podcast, quizzes etc. can all be flexibly incorporated into the
content to suit varying learning styles.
• Motivation: Learning leader boards and other social status symbols like learning
badges, mobile learning systems can actually make learning more fun and engaging.
•Relatively inexpensive opportunity: As the cost of mobile devices are significantly less
than PCs and laptops.
6. Disadvantages
• Small Screen: At times the convenient small screen on mobile phones can be a big
disadvantage, as reading documents on a small screen can lead to eye strain.
• Prone to Distractions: The hyper connected smartphone user may receive, (or even
expect to receive), SMS, social media or news notifications during a mobile learning
session. This reduces the learner’s sense of solitude, which could lower the learner’s
engagement level.
7. • Outpacing technology: This can be said of most smart-phone applications. Mobile learning
courses can drain batteries quickly and struggle in areas of poor connectivity, leading to an
unintentionally fragmented learning experience that reduces engagement.
• Content security or copyright issue from authoring groups
• Limited memory
• Key size
8. • Work/ life balance
• Security
• Cost of investment
