Making a Case for M-learning
Most educational institutes thought they had time to implement an m-learning strategy. They got a wake-up call in March of 2020. Learners and educators scrambled for remote ways to finish their curricula. Even if life goes back to normal, there’s a case of form-learning. Let’s look at the benefits it offers.
1. Provides a Safe Learning Environment
M-learning will continue to provide a safe learning environment; be that protection from contagion or disruption in conflict and disaster areas. Young people and women will be saved from unsafe commutes.
2. Democratizes Learning
The pandemic also spotlighted the vast discrepancies between affluent and inner-city schools. M-learning can democratize learning to provide disadvantaged learners an equal chance to succeed. Quality content can be shared at a low cost. 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 learners want personalized learning. Every learner approaches a task with a different set of knowledge and skills. Now, tech enables us to bypass the “one-size-fits-all” approach to conventional education. Personally-targeted instruction that engages learners can be derived from data. And flexible content prompts learners to reflect and take ownership of their progress.
4. Gives Immediate Feedback and Saves Admin
Educators confirm that grading is both arduous and time-consuming, and it’s left to the end of the day. Crucial feedback is being constructed just when the educator’s energy is lowest. Automated feedback is not only automated but can be immediate. It enables the learner to proceed on a trial and error basis while still engaged with the content.
5. Builds New Communities
Among educators and learners alike, we are seeing these LSM’s building new communities. Educators from opposite ends of the world are collaborating on shared interests. And learners who may never physically meet are free to communicate and exchange ideas in safe, moderated environments.
6. Supports Disabled Learners
Finally, m-learning allows special-needs learners to participate alongside able learners. Assistive tech allows the physically disabled to integrate seamlessly. And information can be presented in different ways for those with processing issues.
The empowering effects of this involvement for disabled learners must not be underrated. For most, m-learning is giving them a “voice” for the first time.