Mobile learning is one product of the vast expansion of mobile devices present in both the workplace and educational environment within the last ten years. Smartphones, tablets and laptops are all examples of mobile learning devices. Mobile learning is an expansion and subset of e-learning and is an innovation for the future of learning. As of 2013, as many as 70 percent of businesses and organizations had plans to incorporate mobile learning within two years. Advancements in technology and the evolving dynamics of the workplace are just two reasons driving the demand for mobile learning capabilities (Caul, 2013).
There are now over one billion mobile phones in use worldwide. The decrease in cost of mobile phones and tablets has contributed to the demand for mobile learning. Improvements in infrastructure allow for fast downloads which allows both practitioners and learners the ability to learn anywhere quickly and easily. The use of mobile phones is rapidly surpassing the use of PCs and companies have responded by allowing for the use of mobile devices in the workplace, prompting some organizations to develop bring-your-own- device (BYOD) policies.
The demand for mobile learning is evident by its many benefits to the field of education and beyond. There is no longer a need for a designated space in which to learn and mobile learning easily accommodates learners who work remotely. Features of mobile learning such as access to communication networks, ease in portability and the ability to synchronize data across devices make the use of mobile learning within schools and organizations both practical and possible (Park, 2011). Affordability and round-the-clock learning support are also advantages of mobile learning (Crompton, 2013).
While there are benefits to mobile learning, there are also drawbacks. Mobile devices utilize small screens and have relatively short battery life. Depending upon location, there may be slow or no Internet access. Text input may be difficult due to small device size and the device may also have limited memory capabilities.
Effective ID instruction utilizes a combination of learning theory and technical skills in effort to prepare instructional design students to meet the needs of the workplace.Mobile learning has created improvements in performance and productivity of students, educators and professionals. Continuous advances in mobile devices and innovations in infrastructure are serving to make mobile learning possible for more people every day. Advances in technology and innovations are helping to secure the future of mobile learning in the field of instructional design.
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Caul, R. (2013). Create a mobile learning strategy. Training Journal, August 2013, p. 38-40. Retrieved from www.trainingjournal.com
Crompton, H. (2013). The benefits and challenges of mobile learning. Learning and Leading with Technology, 41(2), 38-39.
Elias, T. (2011). Universal instructional design principles for mobile learning. International Review of Research in Open & Distance Learning, 12(2), 143-156.
Martinez, T., Cummins, C., Savenye, W., Shewell, J. (2012). E-Learning as a core component of the instructional design profession. International Journal of Advanced Corporate Learning 5(3), 37-42.
Park, Y. (2011). A pedagogical framework for mobile learning: categorizing educational applications of mobile technologies into four types. International Review of Research in Open & Distance Learning, 12(2), 78-102.
