Engaging Students with Mobile Learning

Abstract

The current and upcoming generations of learners are comfortable using mobile technology, and the technology is becoming second nature and an extension of these learners. Learners are using mobile technology to socialize, to access information, to complete financial transactions, to shop, for entertainment, etc. The question educators have to ask is ‘How can education be changed to integrate mobile technology so that students can be engaged and learn from anywhere and at anytime?’ Learning materials must be designed properly to engage students using mobile technology. Teachers must take advantage of the capabilities of mobile technology to build interactivity into learning to achieve high-level learning outcomes. Students should be encouraged to use their existing expertise in social media to build learning communities where they can learn from each other and share information. Students have mobile technology in their hands and pockets, so they should be empowered to use the technology. The use of mobile learning in education will reach out to students to meet their needs, which could result in lower dropout rates and the achievement of high-level learning outcomes. As we move into the 21st century the technology will become ubiquitous, with students learning from anywhere and at anytime. Education institutions must prepare for ubiquitous learning to deliver education to upcoming generations. With proper planning and change-management strategies, the transition to mobile learning and ubiquitous learning will be successful. However, there must be a sense of urgency to make this transition before we lose the motivation of students.