When it comes to buzz words in online education, "mLearning" is making a lot of noise. In an attempt to verify whether or not the hype is warranted, eCollegeFinder.org ended up discovering why many top online schools are looking to incorporate mLearning with their online
courses.
To begin with a formal definition, mLearning (also known as
“mobile learning’) is a form of education that involves connectivity through
mobile devices. While most people equate
mobile devices with PDA’s or smart phones; MP3 players, wireless notebooks and
hand held gaming systems are also part of that group. The Blackberry, iPhone and iPod Touch are
increasing in popularity for mLearning, as more companies develop learning
applications specifically designed for these devices.
Since its conception, mLearning has been directly tied to
distance education and for obvious reasons.
The platform for both types of education is rooted in the ability to learn
beyond the confines of a classroom.
Students seeking a degree program that allows them the flexibility to
balance their work and academic schedules are flocking towards accredited online colleges. mLearning compliments the elearner’s need for
mobility by providing a learning platform that’s even more portable than a
laptop. Experts on mLearning, including Jo
Colley of Tribal,
believe that the accessibility of on-the-go education will attract an entirely
untapped group of potential students who may not have had interest in
continuing their education due to inconvenience. The ability to offer an instant response
without having to disrupt one’s schedule is creating new avenues and methods of
learning that appeal to non-traditional students.
However, we’ve found that the benefits of mobile education
reach far beyond those of convenience.
mLearning delivers information through new media channels and is establishing
different learning styles. Students that
excel in an interactive approach are benefiting from the ability to learn through
the ongoing advancement in mobile technology.
Additionally, learning through a mobile device allows for
personalization on two fronts. Lectures,
lessons and assignments can be tailored on a per student basis and delivered
individually in a format that meets the strengths of the student’s learning
style. Secondly, students are
customizing their learning process by becoming adept to the applications with
which they find the most success.
Capturing media to share provides yet another opportunity
for greater interaction amongst students enrolled in online
schools. Students can take pictures,
videos and notes on their mobile devices and send them to an online forum for
classmates and professors to view.
Advanced degrees, such as online
PhD programs, require students to engage in extensive research for a
specific subject matter. Review of field research conducted away from the
computer can now be instantly recorded and sent to a virtual workspace. This allows the student to obtain information
in real time and reflect upon the research later.
The shift towards mLearning continues to evolve as software
developers focus their efforts on mobile learning applications. Industry giants like Blackboard have created
an entire “mobile platform” to further integrate academics through
telecommunication. With technology
showing no signs of decline, the possibilities for mobile learning seem
endless.