Mobile learning offers a competitive advantage to organizations and learners. Technological advancement has increased the need for people to use mobile devices in their daily activities. The presence of cellphones and tablets has boosted the revolution of mobile learning. Mobile devices have improved the eLearning experience, and organizations can train their employees on various job courses. Learners can also access their course content on the go. Unlike the use of desktop computers for eLearning, mobile learning requires content that is direct and concise. Mobile learning has been beneficial during the COVID19 pandemic. Mobile learning during COVID19 allowed learners to catch up with their course work despite the need for social distance and quarantine. There is learning from a mobile device and learning with a mobile device. Learning from a mobile device means that the devices are used as a tool to deliver learning materials. On the other hand, learning with a mobile device refers to the use of mobile devices as tools that promote higher-order thinking.

Characteristics of mobile learning

Mobile learning occurs outside the classroom environment.  The approach eliminates the need for instructors to teach students in a classroom setting.  Various tools can be used to help in generating course content by instructors. Some of the tools include Edmodo and Google classroom. The strategy eliminates the pressure faced by employees and learners as they struggle to go to physical classes.

Instructors need to understand the increasing ownership of mobile devices. They can model their content to enhance virtual learning. They also need to have training on how to personalize content to improve the learning experience.

Mobile learning promotes social-constructivism.  The use of the strategy presents learning as an active process through a group. Mobile learning is not an alternative to best learning practices. Mobile learning is a tool that enhances instruction delivery, be it in a classroom or virtually. Mobile learning should consider the learners, assessment method, and the content for effectiveness and relevance.

Generating content for mobile learning

Organizations and institutions should consider the following factors when generating content for mobile learning.

• Short and Precise

The course content should be short and to the point. Lack of concentration has been the main cause leading to a high number of dropouts in schools. The introduction of amplification has boosted the use of mobile learning in education. Mobile learning gamification boosts the interactivity of learners with content and increases their concentration.

• Instructional Content

It is crucial to deliver how-to instructions. It allows learners to understand their goals and objectives in the course. Providing such guidelines will help learners to concentrate on key areas.

• User-friendly

User-friendliness should be given priority when generating content. The creators should ensure easy navigation when using mobile devices to access course content.

Top Benefits of Mobile Learning

• The introduction of mobile devices in education has helped in improving employee satisfaction. The current workplace consists of more millennials who were raised in the technological age. The millennials believe that learning in a classroom setup is boring. Most organizations have adopted the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy to meet their mobile learning demands.
• The use of mobile devices in education has brought a dynamic shift in learning patterns. Mobile devices offer platforms for multimedia content. Through the generation of slides and gamification of content, learners are presented with a different view of the courses. Mobile devices also use applications that improve the learning experience, such as the use of audiobooks.
• Organizations can customize content to meet the needs of employees. Mobile learning offers flexible, self-paced, and self-directed learning. Learners can track their progress and schedule their learning during their free time.
• Mobile learning offers a platform for collaboration. Learners can join learning communities and share their experiences. It is cost-effective and convenient because the meeting does not require them to travel or meet physically.
• Digital technologies have boosted the proliferation of mobile learning theory. Various modern learning strategies have been implemented in education. Some of the strategies include the use of mobile-based microlearning LMS. Mobile learning education offers various opportunities for learners due to globalization.
• Mobile learning also improves problem-solving and critical thinking skills. By adopting gamification, learners are presented with real-world problems and can use the course content to solve their problems. The practical approach gives learners the motivation to continue with their course.
• Mobile learning during COVID-19 introduced the element of fun and socialization. The use of gamification elements such as badges and ranks increased learners’ participation and retention of content.

To sum up, flexibility is the central factor that propels mobile learning. The benefits of mobile learning have been experienced tremendously during this period of covid-19. Instructors and learners need to understand how to create and access mobile learning content, respectively. The use of gamification in mobile learning has boosted completion and retention rates.