Jagpreet
19 April, 2024
Table of Contents
Do you remember those bags filled with textbooks, lugging them everywhere? Carrying a heavy backpack was an everyday struggle during our school days. However, as we grew older, there was a new revolution in the education world to reduce this burden. Fortunately, education is transforming, with mobile apps at the forefront of this change.
According to one of the published articles on Edume, research conducted by Google shows that 80% of people worldwide use smartphones, which indicates a vast opportunity for mobile learning. Many people have already turned to their smartphones to learn when needed. Consider your recent Google search, where you will be surprised to see the number of questions you yourself asked Google. Besides Google, half of mobile users use apps for education or research, highlighting mobile phones’ importance in education.
These compact digital tutors are revolutionizing the way we learn, making it more accessible, engaging, and even enjoyable. So, let’s delve into the ways mobile apps are reshaping learning:
Mobile Apps make education more accessible for everyone. Think about when you are on your daily commute and have a spare 20 minutes. You can use these 20 minutes to learn something new. With a language learning app like Duolingo, you can take your phone out of your pocket and squeeze in a quick Spanish lesson.
These small lessons are perfect for busy schedules, allowing you to learn on the go, during commutes, waiting in the queue, or even during lunch breaks.
Accessibility goes beyond time constraints. Mobile apps are a boon for those who live in remote areas or need more learning resources. If you live in a rural village, you can also learn complex coding concepts through an app like Sololearn. It provides interactive tutorials and gamified challenges, which will help you open new doors of opportunity.
Some institutions in India, like IGNOU, Amity University, and Manipal University, have developed mobile apps that learners can use. These apps can give them quick information about course curriculum, access to online journals, attendance, course and session plans, and more.
If you really want to learn something new, then learning should not feel like a burden. Many mobile apps offer an alternative to traditional textbooks for a more interactive and engaging approach.
Nowadays, you can even use apps to explore historical places. You can consider learning history through augmented reality (AR) apps like AR Locations by 3DQR. You can point your phone at a historical monument, and it will come alive with 3D recreations and informative overlays. This features the past coming to life!
Want to learn a new musical instrument? There are apps available in the market for that, too. You can use apps like Yousician to learn music with fun. This app uses interactive games and real-time feedback to make learning guitar or piano an engaging experience.
Mobile apps have a solution to another problem; now, education is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach.
To understand it better, suppose you are a student struggling with algebra concepts. You can use the app called Mathway. You can take a picture of the equation, and the app will provide the answers and explain the steps involved.
This personalisation extends beyond academics. Some language learning apps, like Memrise, use AI-powered algorithms to understand your strengths and weaknesses. They help you access vocabulary lists and exercises to optimise your learning journey.
We all know that learning a new skill can be challenging at times. To tackle this challenge, mobile apps provide a safe space to practise where nobody will judge you for your performance. To understand it better, Imagine you want to learn a new language but feel shy when speaking in public. There are apps for these situations as well. Apps like HelloTalk can help you connect with native speakers for conversation practice. That will build confidence within yourself and motivate you to speak confidently.
These apps also use gamification elements, rewarding progress with points. This playful approach will keep you engaged and motivated.
After reading this article, we have seen that mobile apps offer a plethora of benefits. However, there are also challenges to consider.
Firstly, screen time can concern many, especially young learners. It is important to establish healthy screen time habits and balance app-based learning and traditional methods.
Secondly, you will find out that not all apps are created equal. It is important to choose applications that are reputable and have well-structured content. You can check the user reviews and app developer’s credentials to learn more about the app.
As we have seen the pros and cons of learning with mobile apps, the future of mobile learning looks promising as the technology advances daily. VR apps can provide immersive journeys to places like the Amazon rainforest or the pyramids of Egypt. These experiences will make your learning unforgettable.
Remember, mobile apps do not replace classrooms but enhance them. They help you take control of what you learn. So, instead of mindless scrolling, go for these mobile learning apps, and you will be amazed at what you can explore.
