Many educational institutes thought they had time to implement a mobile learning strategy. They got a rude awakening in March of 2020. Barred from class, students and educators scrambled for remote ways to complete their curricula. Even if life goes back to “pre-pandemic” normal, there’s a case for mobile learning. Let’s look at the benefits it offers.

1. Provides a Safe Learning Environment

Mobile learning will continue to provide a safe learning space. Be that protection from contagion or disruption in conflict and disaster areas. Vulnerable young people and women will be saved from dangerous commutes. 

2. Democratizes Education.

The pandemic also highlighted the vast discrepancies between affluent and inner-city schools. Mobile learning can democratize learning; to provide disadvantaged students an equal chance to succeed. Quality content can be shared at a minimal cost. And platforms like YouTube already make some of the best educators available to anyone in the world, completely free. 

3. Personalized Learning

Feedback from the Speak Up K-12 Schools research initiative reports that students want personalized learning. Every student approaches a task with a different set of knowledge and skills. Now, technology enables us to bypass the “one-size-fits-all” approach to traditional education. Personally-targeted instruction that engages students can be derived from data. And flexible content prompts students to reflect and take ownership of their progress. 

4. Gives Immediate Feedback and Saves Admin

Teachers confirm that grading is both arduous and time-consuming. And it’s typically left to the end of the day. Vital feedback is being constructed just when the educator’s vitality is lowest. Computerized feedback is not only automated but can be immediate. It allows the student to proceed on a trial and error basis while still engaged with the content.

5. Bridges Formal and Informal Learning

Our mobile devices are such a ubiquitous part of life. They can almost be considered extensions of ourselves. It’s estimated that as much as 80% of learning happens outside formal “classroom” environments for adults. 

The challenge for corporates has always been how to capture and measure these informal learnings. Learning Management Systems (LSMs), particularly social LSMs like Pedagogue, encourage social learning – and make it visible! They take the traditional aspects of an LMS and merge them with features of social media.

6. Builds New Communities

Among educators and students alike, we are seeing these LSMs building new communities. Teachers from opposite ends of the world are collaborating on shared interests. And students who may never physically meet are free to communicate and exchange ideas in safe, moderated environments. 

7. Supports Disabled Learners

Finally, mobile learning is allowing special-needs learners to participate alongside able students. Assistive technology allows the physically disabled to integrate seamlessly. And information can be presented in different ways for those with processing problems. 

The empowering effects of this participation for disabled learners must not be underrated. For many, mobile learning is giving them a “voice” for the first time.