Digital learning is more relevant than ever. Laptops, cellphones, and tablets have become an intrinsic part of the student experience. In 2017, 94.3% of students (aged 3-18) had access to smartphones at home. Many also had access to laptops (83.3%) and tablets (77.9%). Concurrently, the U.S. government launched initiatives to increase broadband access to schools. The result? A 58% increase in school districts with high-speed broadband from 2013 to 2016. Not everyone is equally enthusiastic, however. Health professionals and educators have expressed concern about the over-use of screens. However, there’s no denying that mobile-based education apps are changing the face of education.
Experts say that the global mobile learning market is slated to reach USD 280.08 billion by 2027 and will grow at a CAGR of 36.45% from 2020 to 2027. And, students are using mobile devices, regardless of how parents and teachers view their use.
According to a 2019 Edison Research study, smartphone usage rests at a high of 84% for those 12 years and above. Also, a recent survey found that almost 80% of students complete some or all of their coursework on mobile devices. And, almost 40% of students utilize mobile devices to access research platforms and learning management systems. If given a choice, 54% and 60% of students respectively want to use apps to access lecture slides and check in with their professors. As a result, school districts and colleges around the country have implemented mobile learning initiatives.
There are several key benefits to using mobile apps:
1. Mobile-Based Education Apps Can Help Improve Overall Academic Performance
Mobile apps can help boost learning retention and by extension, academic performance. According to research, the use of leaderboards in game-based learning can significantly affect academic performance. For instance, female undergraduate students who participated in game-based learning (with a leaderboard showing women holding the top positions) had a higher level of academic identification (one’s psychological/emotional investment in academics). By all indications, game-based learning increases motivation, which may have a positive effect on academic performance.
2. Mobile-Based Education Apps Can be Used as a Vehicle for Teaching New Tech Skills
As technology accelerates in scope and sophistication, it’s important for students to have the necessary skills to reap its potential. In the age of the 4th Industrial Revolution, big data analytics, app-enabled interfaces, IoT, and cloud computing top the list of technologies companies must adopt to remain relevant. Ominously, the tech skills gap has continued to widen, threatening the ability of these companies to remain competitive. However, this paradigm can be reversed. Educators can use tools like the Khan Academy iPad app and free SoloLearn app to facilitate STEM-based learning. Ultimately, students who master new technology will be better positioned to succeed in the ever-evolving job marketplace.
3. Teachers Can Leverage Mobile-Based Education Apps to Provide More Attention to Individual Students
Due to classroom sizes, it’s often impossible for educators to give students the attention they deserve. In turn, students can become disinterested in learning. The advantage of apps is that each lesson can be tailored to the student’s skill level. Flexible educational apps facilitate customization, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, which is less likely to yield good results.
4. Mobile Apps Make Learning Fun
Innovative learning apps can make learning fun for students, especially through the use of gamification. According to research, the use of game-based interfaces in non-game settings can result in improved retention and increased engagement.
5. Mobile Apps Can Improve Cognitive Functioning
While it’s important for children to engage in extra-curricular activities, apps can aid in inspiring intellectual curiosity and improving memory. And although there’s no consensus on this, strategy game apps are at the very least, cognitively stimulating. In all, mobile learning apps have shown promise in increasing student retention and ultimately, graduation rates. Since students already spend considerable time in front of screens, channeling their attention towards worthy screen-time pursuits may pay off exponentially.
6. Video Capabilities Facilitate a Better Understanding of Deep Subject Matter
Teachers can also use mobile learning apps to create video projects for their virtual classrooms. Similarly, students can use videos to demonstrate what they’ve learned. To make deep subject material more accessible, teachers can also put together a video series for students. Instead of a lengthy lecture, students get short, easy-to-digest videos about challenging topics.
7. Interactive Features Can Increase Student Engagement
Unlike conventional learning strategies, mobile apps are interactive and require high student engagement. This makes for a less passive learning experience. By encouraging more interaction, apps can help students get more from their lessons.
In all, the above constitutes just seven ways mobile apps are transforming the sphere of education. As more sophisticated apps emerge, teachers will have more options to engage students in the classroom.
Do you teach or work with students? Entrance Consulting is an expert in mobile app development and focuses on improving the learning framework for teachers and students. To learn more about our solutions and how we can help you create the perfect mobile learning app, contact us today.