Before diving into what mobile learning (m-learning) is, let’s talk about the latest statistics.

Mobile internet traffic has hugely increased over the past few years. Moreover, representatives of Generation Z (born in the mid-1990s to the early 2000s) grew up with mobile devices and tablets in hands. And now they can’t imagine their learning experience without using mobile devices to do research or take notes.

In addition, busy bees with tight schedule can’t find time to learn, and they prefer to consume information when they have free time, for example during the commute.

All of that has lead to the emergence of mobile learning.

What is M-learning?

Mobile learning, as known as m-learning, is a learning process that is delivered and consumed through mobile phones and tablets.

This type of learning is a logical result of the technical revolution. In early 2000 computers have begun to be used in classrooms for academic education and at home for personal education.

Over time, mobile devices have become more popular, due to their portability. As a result, nowadays smartphones and tablets are used for presentations, taking quizzes, watching lectures, taking notes, playing educational games. etc.

Mobile learning can be provided through an adaptive website or mobile application. The last open more opportunities in terms of performance and engagement.

Why M-learning Is A Must Have?

We access our smartphones continuously throughout the day so learning on the smartphones is a logical extension.

Here are some compelling stats that reaffirm that mLearning is no more an option but a “must have”:

1. According to Lynda, those who learn on a mobile device complete course material 45% faster than those using a computer.
2. Gartner foresees that 45% of businesses will work according to BYOD (bring your own device) policy by 2020.
3. LearnDash research shows that 70% of students felt more motivated when learning on a mobile device.
4. Mobile learners usually study for 40 minutes longer than desktop users, says MNAlearning.
5. Statista shows that by 2020 mobile market value is expected to be 83.7 billion U.S. dollars worth.

Mobile Learning Pros

One of the key pros of m-learning is that it can be accessed anywhere from any device. This means that students can learn during their commute, on manufacture warehouses and offices.

Other m-learning advantages:

• Suitable for micro-learning
• Adapted to millennial learners
• Easy access to information when needed
• Learners can collaborate on the go through chats
• Instant feedback and Q&A

But there are no advantages on this planet without disadvantages.

Mobile Learning Disadvantages

M-learning can improve the learning experience as well as bring some issues to it.

Mobile learning has more technical problems than educational:

• Device compatibility, battery life and performance.
• Internet connectivity
• More distractions like messages and notifications

Considering these, mobile learners should have appropriate devices to be able to benefit mobile learning.

Best LMS that support mobile learning

If you want to bring mobile experience to your learners, you need a learning management system (LMS) that supports such a feature. We have gathered some top players on the market that allow you to provide m-learning to your students:

• Talent LMS
• Docebo
• iSpring Learn
• Litmos LMS
• Adobe Captivate Prime

Final words

Mobile learning can be implemented in ways of an adaptive website or mobile application. Such learning approach increases the course completion rate and makes it more convenient for learners to pass through course or training as they can do it anywhere and anytime.

If you want to provide your students with mobile learning, make sure you have a strong development team that can help you with technical realization.

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