2020 took the global community for a spin, causing many people across the world to stay put in their homes. To keep up with the students' need to work and learn, educational systems quickly switched over to digital teaching and learning, requiring students to log on for class. While being locked inside is not fun, technology made it much more pleasurable and made our daily lives possible.
Mobile-first learning took the web by storm, helping instructors connect with their students to keep things as close to normal as possible. With an online portal, teachers could share details and teach an entire class without anyone ever having to leave their home. What is mobile learning, and how is it making a difference in education today? Lets take a look.
- What Is Mobile Learning?
We all know about e-learning, the magical option to learn online with help from an internet connection and a computer or laptop. Mobile-first learning is pretty much the same thing, just diversified. Educators understand the need to take mobile abilities to more than one device, allowing students to access content from any device operated by any software.
The need to create more mobile-based learning is a direct result of technology's evolution, with more and more people turning to their mobile devices and away from their computers. Besides, learners are more connected to information than ever, able to look things up and get help anytime and anywhere with technology.
- Mobile Learning Technologies
To bring the opportunity of mobile learning to students, educators must first consider the technology needed. Not every learner will have access to devices, one issue that could prevent the swift switch to mobile learning. The plus is that everyone, from elementary students to a professional online essay writer, can benefit from these technologies, making them an excellent education option in the 21st century.
Educators that are considering the switch to a more mobile way of learning should consider:
- iPods and MP3 players
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Laptop computers
- Mobile-First Learning for the Classroom
With the long list of benefits from online learning, many education systems are likely to look toward ways to incorporate it into the classroom. E-learning does have the potential to replace the traditional classroom and is likely to change how students learn forever. However, many schools choose options of blended learning, getting the best of both worlds.
In this way, students can learn and interact with their mobile devices both inside and outside the classroom. They will always have access to the things they have learned and can access additional information if they need help or have questions about a particular topic. By integrating mobile devices, learners can interact with other students, teachers, and administrators all with their mobile devices.
- Mobile Learning Design: Where to Start
When making the switch to digital learning, educators should consider a few key things. Keeping them in mind, they can develop a better strategy that all of their students can benefit from.
1. Think About the Learners
The first thing to consider is the learners, making sure that they are comfortable with mobile technologies. The younger generations are comfortable with technology, as it is part of their daily lives. In this case, the question becomes which devices will fuse with the curriculum better, whether audio, visual or combining the two.
2. Ensure Accessibility
Before making the switch, educators much consider whether or not all students in the classroom have access to mobile devices and an internet connection. It is not fair to switch to digital learning if students do not have access, with the institution needing to make changes or accommodate those students who do not.
3. Engage with Students
Mobile learning is fun but takes some structure for success. It is suggested to engage with students and encourage them to communicate as well. If they have a big project to do, throw them suggestions like extra material or joke around and send an online essay writing service when the deadline creeps up. Students will love to get a funny YouTube video or a link to a fun article, giving them a modern method for learning the new material and smiling while they do.
4. Use Current Content
Teachers will often turn to the other direction when thinking of and creating new learning methods in the classroom, thinking that it will take ages to make the switch. However, they already seem to have access to several tools to adapt for mobile use quickly. When making the switch, start with a few contents that take little work to upload and try them out with the class to see how it goes.