As you may already know, the use of technology in the classroom is nothing new. Teachers have been relying on devices like computers for quite some time now. Even online classes have become a part of K-12 organizations and college campuses since the 2000s.

However, over the last couple of years, a new trend has quickly developed, and that has the potential to change the way we look at online education. This trend is known as Mobile Learning, also called m-learning.

Let’s take a look at what mobile learning means. 

Mobile Learning – An Overview

Mobile learning is defined as a way to facilitate education by using devices like tablets and smartphones, and more than that. According to the Pew Research Center’s recent study, almost 77% of Americans own some kind of smartphone, which is a 35% increase since 2011.

What’s more, 2.1 billion smartphones were being used worldwide in 2016. Could you imagine if all of those devices could be used as powerful educational tools, delivering personalized learning experiences right at your fingertips?

Once you understand that mobile devices are already tools for education, you can better understand the huge revolution that awaits us. 

A New Mechanism for Delivery

One of mobile learning’s main benefits has to do with the geographical barrier that it breaks down. Even with the most advanced online learning environments, or any other e-learning environments for that matter, students were still bound by their location. 

M-learning changes the mechanism for online learning delivery and transforms it into one that can exist anywhere. Students won’t just receive the benefit of self-guided lessons. Still, lessons can take place from any location, at any time. 

The most important thing here is that geography is no longer an issue for students. If someone needs to learn, then they can, no questions asked. Whether they have a computer around, or where they live, becomes irrelevant. They are walking around with a supercomputer in their pockets daily that is more than powerful enough for educational purposes. 

Social Networking as a Tool for Learning

Mobile learning is also using social networking to transform the way online learning takes place. Take Pedagogue, for example. Pedagogue is a Social Learning Management System (LMS) that combines the traditional aspects of an LMS with social media, like chats, gamification, groups, and more. 

Not only are most students familiar with the concept of social media, but they also know how to use it to their advantage. Social networking makes it much easier for students to collaborate when they aren’t in the classroom. 

Concluding Thoughts

While mobile learning still has a long way to go in terms of integration into the classroom and online learning environments, it may just be the future of education technology. Each day brings a new advancement that furthers the most crucial goal: making it easier than ever for everyone to learn the things they need to know.