Did you know that 61.1% of smartphone users worldwide use their devices to watch videos? Indisputably, kittens and puppies are cute and brighten your day, but what if you could use the time it takes to watch a video to learn something new while on the go? Let’s look at mLearning.
Mobile Learning
The mobile learning method, or mLearning for short, delivers training at the point of need enabling access to educational materials through portable devices like smartphones or tablets. Therefore, it is a highly flexible method because users can access it anytime and from anywhere at their own pace, improving knowledge retention and engagement. Besides, it can accommodate different learning styles.
Some Features of mLearning
- FLEXIBILITY. Learners can study the material whenever is convenient for them and work their learning around their schedules. Thus, mLearning can support different learning styles and needs.
- COLLABORATIVE LEARNING. Learners use chat forums, newsfeeds, or messaging platforms to connect and share insights.
- MICROLEARNING. This method delivers short chunks of information that are guaranteed to maintain the learner’s attention and improve knowledge retention.
- MULTIMEDIA INTEGRATION. mLearning lessons feature a mix of short-form video, audio, animation, gamification, and text to make it engaging.
- CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK. This method includes assessment and feedback features that allow instructors to monitor learners’ progress and adjust strategies accordingly.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The advantages of mLearning include the following:
- ACCESSIBILITY: You can access your learning 24/7 if you have your device with you, anywhere, anytime. It is especially suitable for workers without a designated desk, as they can get the learning modules sent to the device they already use.
- INTERACTIVITY: mLearning supports interactive features and different multimedia formats.
- INCREASED EFFICIENCY: The short-form content can be integrated into existing workflows without disruption. Also, mLearning can save valuable time because it is more efficient to create and disseminate.
- INCREASED ENGAGEMENT: The addition of gamified elements helps to boost learner engagement and results in higher completion rates and higher ROI.
- COST-EFFECTIVENESS: It drastically reduces the expenses of in-person training.
- WORKFORCE MOTIVATION and IMPROVED EMPLOYEE RETENTION RATES: If a company provides learning opportunities, 94% of employees would stay. mLearning provides value, improves productivity, and motivates employees.
Although the advantages outnumber the disadvantages, the latter still exist:
- TECH BARRIERS: The lack of access to mobile technology or a faulty Internet connection can become a barrier to learning.
- DISTRACTION:. The constant notifications can become a distraction that hampers productivity unless the user mutes notifications during work periods.
- LEVEL OF EXPERTISE: In order to get the full benefit of mLearning, the content must be at the right level for the learners and designed around their needs.
mLearning Versus eLearning
In short, eLearning is any type of learning delivered via electronic media, typically on the Internet. Although eLearning and mLearning may seem very similar, there are a few differences.
While e-Learning takes place mainly at fixed locations like the home or office via desktops or laptops, mLearning is delivered on the go via portable devices like tablets and smartphones. Also, mLearning is all about bite-sized and chunked content, whereas eLearning provides more detailed and longer study sessions.
While both methods require an Internet connection, mLearning is highly flexible and access can be spontaneous, whereas eLearning necessitates dedicated time blocks and is more structured. Unlike eLearning, mLearning is suitable for touchscreen interactions.
Finally, the main difference between these types of learning is that mobile learning is great for just-in-time learning and bite-sized practice opportunities, while e-learning is perfect for in-depth study.
