What is mobile learning and is it effective?

Mobile learning is any learning activity that utilizes a mobile device, usually a smartphone. Mobile learning seeks to make use of the ubiquity and capabilities of modern mobile devices to make course materials available to students wherever they are, and to create new kinds of learning experiences that help students engage with course content and the world. 

This CPD article will seek to guide you through this relatively recent method of learning by covering what mobile learning is, some of the features of mobile learning technology and advantages of mobile learning in education to provide a broad overview of the subject.

What is mobile learning?

Mobile learning, also referred to as mLearning, can be defined as a way of accessing learning content through mobile and digital devices. This method of learning empowers students at the point of need, enabling users to access content whenever and wherever suits them. Learners can study assigned lessons, course materials, video or virtual lectures, and take tests from their devices. Devices that can be used for mobile learning include smartphones, tablets, laptops, and digital notebooks.

What are the features of mobile learning technology?

Generally there are several characteristics which make this form of learning so effective for training workforces. It  found that amongst these are three common features of mobile learning technology:

• Micro learning content - 2-5 minute bursts of relevant information designed to maintain learners’ attention and bolster knowledge retention.
• Social learning - Replicating online behaviours, mobile learning often utilizes social learning to boost engagement. This might include a forum, newsfeed or chat function.
• Seamless access - A crucial element of mobile-based training solutions, whether it’s removing the login process with seamless links or embedding content directly into an app, for example.

Is mobile learning effective?

Today’s learners are juggling multiple jobs, educational needs and responsibilities and employees are now becoming more comfortable with at home and remote work settings. With mobile learning, you can choose when to conduct modules or lessons anywhere, at any time. Essentially, therefore this platform is effective as it allows a student or employee to learn on the go and at their own pace. 

Organisations of every size have embraced the concept of mobile learning due to its affordability, scalability, and flexibility. Similar to mobile learning in a corporate environment, mobile learning in higher education enables students to flexibly access course materials from anywhere. This has contributed to a rise in self-directed learning and has facilitated the rise of the online university sector.

Advantages of mobile learning in education

There are some key advantages of mobile learning in education over more traditional learning types such as purely in classroom or offline learning. The core ones to know include:

• As discussed previously, the main advantage to mobile learning is its access anywhere, anytime since mobile learning is all about studying through a mobile using the internet.
• In the modern world, and with the widespread introduction in many nations of 5G, the availability of mobile learning covers a huge distance and can support once hard to reach communities.
• With the unlimited resources of the internet, there is a huge variety of content available for learners and course providers.
• The familiarity of modern leaners with both mobile phones and online learning encourages students and makes them feel confident to engage with the learning.

Learning types and examples of mobile learning

Sharing learning content for mobile consumption is the most common way of using mobile learning. You can share it with your participants or delegates so they can learn using their mobile devices, in their own time. It’s easy to share the material through email or by simply sending the link via text message. Other examples of mobile learning can include:

Interaction during lessons: Its possible to use mobile devices for a blended learning approach. Instructors can ask questions during in-person training and the audience can then answer them via a survey that they take on their smartphones. For that, the trainer can share a link to the survey, invite participants by email, or even create a QR code that can be easily captured with a smartphone camera. It is then possible to get immediate feedback, which is especially effective when training large groups.

Instructor-led or virtual instructor: This type of mobile learning is the closest to a traditional classroom environment. Employees or students join a course at a pre-arranged time to watch a virtual instructor deliver the course material, and may interact with the instructor by asking or answering questions.

Video-based learning: Video and sound are known to increase learning retention compared with using a text-only approach to delivering course material and is a common feature found with mLearning.

Access to content libraries: Whether it’s via a shared drive, company intranet, or through a Learning Management System (LMS), all learning content should be accessible remotely through mobile devices.

Micro learning: With a recognition that the average learner has an extremely short attention span, micro learning is designed to maximize engagement and the retention of information by breaking course material up into very short modules. This could be a two-minute training video or only 200 words of text followed by a very short quiz. Micro learning is ideal for the “learn from anywhere” approach to mobile learning, such as completing a quick micro learning module during a morning commute to work. You can find out more in our previous article.

Gamification: Gamifying may involve a points-based reward system, a leader-board, or other game-like features to increase positive competition and drive engagement with mobile learning.

How to become a CPD accredited training provider

We hope this article on mobile learning and its effectiveness was helpful. The CPD Certification Service is the world's leading and largest CPD accreditation organisation, with over 25 years’ experience supporting certified CPD providers across all industry sectors.

If you are considering becoming a CPD training provider, please contact our team to discuss in more detail. Alternatively, if you are looking to record your Continuing Professional Development, please go to the myCPD Portal where you can manage, track and log your learning in one simple place.