Featured article by Susan Melony, Independent Technology Author
Today’s technology is evolving and advancing at an extraordinary pace, and the educational sector shows us some amazing examples of this. After all, it wasn’t all that long ago that colleges, universities, and other educational establishments were only just implementing their first IT spaces and adding the first few basic commercial computers to their study areas.
Now, however, colleges and educational institutions have embraced modern technology like never before, with campus-wide Wi-Fi networks, cloud-based technology for data backups, open-source learning management systems, digital systems for student payments and sign-ups, and entire courses and classes being conducted virtually, without even the need for students to be in the same space or country.
The concept of mobile, remote, or distance learning has subsequently become increasingly relevant in today’s world, with people of all ages now able to learn remotely and conveniently using apps and services on their phones, tablets, and other devices. This guide will take a look at some of the key benefits of mobile learning for everyone from young students to on-the-job learners.
Convenience
Of course, the clearest and most obvious benefit of remote learning or e-learning is quite simply the fact that it’s so convenient. With e-learning, students don’t need to worry about the physical efforts of actually going to classes in specific locations, as they can simply load up an app and start learning whenever they want, from any location.
This ‘anywhere, anytime’ approach is immensely convenient for all concerned, as this method removes the need for classes and courses to be conducted at specific times. Essentially, this allows for students on totally opposite sides of the planet being able to get involved with the same classes and benefit from the same great educational content.
Versatility
Another great advantage of mobile learning is just how versatile it is. With traditional forms of learning, there are only really so many ways in which a class can be presented. A college professor delivering a lecture to 100 students, for example, doesn’t have too many options in terms of how they deliver that information and how they can get each student involved in the process.
With mobile learning, the sky’s the limit. Courses and classes can be set up in a range of different ways, and individual students can be made to feel like a much greater part of the process too. There can be classes focused on reading, writing, oral comprehension, data analysis, critical thinking, creativity, and so much more, and the same information can be delivered in dozens of different ways.
Availability
One more of the many benefits of mobile learning is the fact that classes and content are always available, 24/7. So, if a student needs to learn something or brush up on their skills, they know that they have access to the content they need at a moment’s notice, without having to worry about certain schedules or downtime periods.
This can be so useful in real-world situations. Let’s say that an employee is preparing to give a presentation, for example, and feeling nervous about their technique. Thanks to mobile learning, they can use their phone to log on to their mobile learning platform of choice and take a quick class or course to get some pointers for presentations and additional inspiration.
Higher Retention Rates
One of the problems with many traditional educational models is the fact that a lot of content tends to be easily forgotten. Students learn in many different ways. Some of them are better at listening and making notes in the classic college lecture format, while others are more visual learners and others tend to get the best results when studying solo. There are even many students who tend to retain information much better when studying later in the day, as opposed to first thing in the morning.
Because of this wide disparity of learning methods, classic educational methods of the past aren’t always effective for every student, and retention rates can vary wildly in a typical class. With e-learning, however, it’s so much easier for students to retain knowledge, as they can approach tasks and classes in a way that suits them.
Final Word
It’s clear to see that mobile learning is making a major difference all over the world, changing the game for education as we know it and helping all kinds of learners embrace and engage with the classes and courses they need to better themselves, further their careers, and pursue their aspirations in both academic and professional life.
