Mobile Learning
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Mobile Learning
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
mLearning is becoming more the norm than the exception especially during this 2020 school year. "The technological advances and popularity of mobile devices have come to open up new ways of communication, education and collaboration." (Criollo-C, Lujan-Mora and Jaramillo-Alcazar, 2018). However, what are the specific advantages to mobile learning? Do students retain more or are they just distracted learners?
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The following are four of the top most advantageous aspects to mlearning
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Mobility
Anytime Anywhere learning.
With more and more adults re-entering school, upgrading their skills, new immigrants learning English, mobility learning gives them the freedom to live their lives and learn according to their schedule.
"With m-learning, learners can use their free time at any location with access to
a wireless network to read and work on assignments." (George, 2019)
collaboration
Engaging peers within and outside the physical classroom. Collaboration does not need to occur in one traditional setting, but across multiple locations and/or devices. MLearning makes it easier for everyone to collaborate including those with learning or physical disabilities and participate and share their knowledge that ordinarily would have been challenging for them.
"M-learning enables the interaction
and communication among learners and educators..." (Al-Emran and Shaalan, 2015)
Pro-Active learning
When used effectivvely, mLearning has enormous value in giving students a positive outlook on their learning. The dynamic teaching style that mLearning offers as well as personalization and real-time feedback that can occur enhances and supports student learning.
Mobile devices can be a means for expanding teaching and learning beyond the
classroom and an encouragement for students to be more proactive in the learning process (George, 2019)
multiple learning styles
MLearning allows for multiple learning styles to be incorporated in a classroom setting. Web-based learning adapts and personalizes to a students' learning style so it can keep them engaged and motivated.
"mLearning is causing educators to rethink how learning happens and how specific learning needs and
styles are expanded and enabled with multifunctional hand-held devices" (Yau and Joy, 2006)
Disadvantages
MLearning also has its challenges, however, do they outweigh the advantages? Are these barriers to mLearning to great a gap for stakeholders to overcome, or are they "growing pains"?
"...disadvantages, limitations and barriers create a considerable degree of resistance to the adoption of m-learning
in support of learning in educational settings,"(Criollo-C, Lujan-Mora and Jaramillo-Alcazar, 2018)
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The following are three of the top limitations to mlearning
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Distractions
MLearning has been shown as a distraction from the actual learning process. For many teachers mLearning takes time to properly implement and even then they may not have the pedagogical knowledge to effectively implement mLearning into their classroom. For the students, it becomes a distraction since now you have all types of technological tools at your fingertips.
"Mobile learning necessitates that students spend time in front of a screen to learn. Screen time can be habit-forming and, in some cases, addictive."(Gautem, 2018)
Technological Barriers
Although most individuals have cell phones, not all will have the same network environment, which can lead to insufficient coverage. There is also the limitations of using a small cell phone screen to complete major activities, as well as hardware and software issues. These are aspects that must be taken into account when using mLearning for learners of various socio-economic environments.
"the physical attributes of mobile devices like the small screen sizes, battery, and storage
capacity is perceived to be detrimental." (George, 2018)
Learner Motivation
MLearning can create an environment where the learner can feel as though they are learning by themselves, which can result in a lack of personal motivation. Hence if a learner works better in a more structured environment or has little willingness to try something new, they may not succeed as well as someone who understands how to set their own goals and has a stronger sense of motivation.
Cultural Norms
A major challenge for mLearning is the cultural barriers that all stakeholders must be aware of. For many the pedagogical approach for mLearning is low and both teachers and learners must overcome their perceptions of using mLearning in the classroom.
"...m-learning may be incompatible with social and
cultural norms."(Criollo-C, Lujan-Mora and Jaramillo-Alcazar, 2018)