Why Is Mobile Learning Getting So Popular?
Mobile learning is one of the best ways to train students and employees now. As far as the conventional methods of training are concerned, they are no longer effective. The students must have mobile-based apps because they can carry these devices anywhere. Students cannot learn as effectively while they are taking notes. But with mobile apps, they don't face this problem.
Reasons Why Mobile Apps Benefit Students
These are the reasons why mobile learning is gaining so much popularity.
1. Gamification
The students have fun learning through mobile apps because of gamification. The apps are also entertaining because they contain interactive elements. Instead of boring class sessions, students enjoy gamification where they have to pass different levels to access courses. Students like playing games more than doing homework.
2. Animation
Apps also capture the attention of students, particularly with their graphics and animation as compared to boring lectures where they can be distracted by so many things. They also enjoy online studying because it’s easier as compared to attending classes where they have to be on par with their peers. Therefore, students enjoy learning through apps where they can search for material online. When students use apps, they are connected to so many resources which are available on the internet. They have a colossal amount of information in their hands. So, apps are useful for students who are working and don’t have time to attend college full-time. With their mobile phones, students can easily access PDFs which are available in libraries, even if they don’t have time to visit them.
3. Cheaper Than School-Based Education
These apps are a cost-effective option for students as compared to spending money on textbooks. Mobile learning is the perfect way to teach students because it's less costly than sending them to school. Also, schools require massive infrastructure like buying land and the cost of construction apart from hiring teaching staff. Students also don’t waste any paper when they study through apps.
4. Easy Retention
They are also available for various skill development purposes through which students can enhance skills such as coding. The apps also have the feature of offering students assignment feedback through which they can progress to the next module or revise. The mobile apps have a large number of learners but they are also easy to update, with new information added quite easily. Teaching is majorly based on lectures while the students only get to watch a blackboard. But in mobile apps, the students benefit from both audio and visual forms of instruction which makes them better learning solutions.
5. Systematic Learning
Systematic learning is also enabled through these apps, where students can learn properly. The apps don’t put a cognitive burden on students because the information included is arranged entertainingly. Mobile apps also cultivate a quest for learning because students have to reach the next level of the learning game. This kind of learning process includes the presentation of knowledge, application, and then feedback so that students get a proper learning experience. The presentation phase includes the motivation of students to learn and then it includes, the transfer of knowledge. The application includes a practical test of the gained knowledge, and then there is the last phase which is the feedback. Feedback includes providing students with information about their strengths and what ways they can be improved.
6. Student-Teacher Interaction
In classes, there is just a simple transfer of information where teachers speak and students listen, but in the case of mobile apps, there is more scope for interaction. Such apps allow students to chat with teachers. Students can also get assignments, which they have to complete. These assignments are more entertaining than the simple text-based answers students have to write in classroom sessions. In fact, teachers are saved from the hassle of grading these assignments because the apps have features to do so.
7. Learning Accessibility
They are also available for students with disabilities like visually impaired students who can use the text-to-speech feature. Mobile apps are also perfect for students with dyslexia and those who don't prefer classroom-based learning. There are also students who like to learn alone so, for them, mobile apps are the right solution.
Conclusion
Through mobile apps, students can take their own time to learn without peer pressure. Unlike books, where the size of text cannot be increased, mobile apps can facilitate this for students. So, mobile learning ensures that students don’t shy away from learning but enjoy it despite the challenges.
