The Rise of Mobile Device Use in Modern Education
Mobile devices have revolutionized how we access, engage with, and learn new information. Answers to most questions are a few taps away, and we can learn just about anything from a Google search. In fact, Google processes 5.9 million searches every minute, which translates to about 8.5 billion searches each day. At least 63% of those searches are done on mobile devices.
Mobile devices have become so integral in the search for new information that their growing role in continuing education makes a lot of sense. Since the pandemic, when many education programs and schools shifted from in-person attendance to online (sometimes also asynchronous) participation, mobile use in learning has continued to increase. One survey found that 67% of American college students had used their mobile devices to complete at least some of their course activities. According to another survey, 81% of college students at the University of Central Florida in 2021 reported using their smartphone at least once a week for learning activities, such as reading, studying, or completing an assignment.
The use of mobile devices in education has some major benefits, including the ability to learn on the go, access education anywhere and at any time, and interact and collaborate with other mobile learners.
Learn on the Go
Many students who choose to use mobile devices for learning are doing so for the convenience and portability. This can be especially beneficial for working adults enrolled in continuing education courses. They can easily access course material and submit assignments even when they are away from a desktop computer or laptop. Mobile devices are also less bulky and easier to carry around than many laptops and other larger devices; people are more likely to always be in easy reach of a smartphone than a laptop or desktop computer.
Access Education Anywhere
With a mobile device, people can access education from anywhere in the world, at any time. This is particularly helpful for people who may not have simple access to traditional education outlets, such as those who live in remote areas or those with full-time jobs. Online learning that can be accessed via mobile device brings continuing education to learners wherever they are and whenever they can fit the coursework into their busy schedules. Whether on a lunch break, during a commute, or in between meetings, mobile learning can fit into those small windows of time in a hectic day.
Collaborate with Other Mobile Learners
Mobile devices are made for connection with others. Many mobile learning platforms include interactive ways to not only engage with course material, but also to collaborate and communicate with classmates. For those pursuing continuing education credits, the ability to collaborate with other professionals can lead to invaluable networking opportunities and further professional growth. One of the biggest benefits of mobile learning is community at your fingertips.
The best way to take advantage of mobile learning for continuing education is to implement a learning management system that embraces mobile device use. Look for features like simple integration with educational mobile apps, automatic text notifications, and the ability to effectively complete coursework on a smartphone.
Utilize mobile devices right from the start when implementing your registration process. Learning Stream continuously adapts its content delivery avenues to meet learners where they are. Contact us to get started with Learning Stream today.
