Facts are facts: the next generation of learning is moving from distance learning (d-learning) and electronic learning (e-learning) to mobile learning (m-learning).

Professionals are using mobile devices for the purpose of training for some time now and somehow, this is what developed mobile learning. In fact, even though employees still attend a lot of face-to-face training sessions, studies (like Nick Van Damm’s) showed that 90% of learning happen on the job. Therefore, m-learning is being used in a wider range of modes:

• On the job training for someone who accesses training on a mobile device

• Just in time training to solve a problem or gain an update

• Performance support. Immediate access to tools to streamline a work-task

• Reference guides and ebooks

 

According to the “Mobile learning in Practice: Piloting a Mobile Learning Teachers’ Toolkit in Further Education Colleges”, a book of Carol Savill-Smith & al., Instructors who have used m-learning programs and techniques have made the following value statements in favor of m-learning:

 

• It is important to bring new technology into the classroom

• Devices used are more lightweight than books and PCs

• Mobile learning can be used to diversify the types of learning activities students partake in (or a blended learning approach)

• Mobile learning supports the learning process rather than being integral to it

• Mobile learning can be a useful add-on tool for students with special needs

• Mobile learning can be used as a ‘hook’ to re-engage disaffected youth

 

 

How is it innovative?

M-learning technologies include laptops, MP3/MP4 players, notebooks, mobile phones and tablets. M-learning focuses on the mobility of the learner, interacting with portable technologies. Using mobile tools for creating learning aids and materials becomes an important part of informal learning.

 

Why is it so successful?

M-learning is convenient in that it is accessible from virtually anywhere. Sharing is almost instantaneous among everyone using the same content, which leads to the reception of instant feedback and tips. This highly active process has proven to increase exam scores from the fiftieth to the seventieth percentile, and cut the dropout rate in technical fields by 22 percent. M-learning also brings strong portability by replacing books and notes with small devices, filled with tailored learning contents.