Mobile technology can help students open the door to new horizons, making their learning flexible, motivating and speedy. It is not difficult to understand why more and more schools are encouraging mobile learning in the classroom. Smartphones, tablet computers e-readers, netbooks and laptops, etc. are gradually becoming great learning tools for students.
Mobile devices make learning flexible. School computer labs with desktops are wonderful but they are not handy. Students cannot use them in the school yard during the break time or in the school canteen while they wait for lunch. Mobile learning devices are different. They are light, portable and convenient. Students can carry these devices with them wherever they want and whenever they like.
Mobile learning is motivating. Students are more excited and inspired to study when they work with different types of apps. These apps not only help them understand the materials better but also motivate them to study harder both in and out of the classroom. Motivation and inspiration can lead to good results, and good results can lead to more motivation and inspiration.
Mobile learning makes education speedy. Without having to leave the school building, students can instantly get information or materials necessary for their study. This can be done easily thanks to mobile devices with WiFi. The Internet brings the whole world into the classroom and it takes students just a few seconds to access this wonderful world of knowledge and information.
Mobile technology is already here. It is up to each school to choose the time when they allow the use of mobile devices and the extent to which their ‛digital natives’ can take full advantage of these devices. Hopefully, they can make the right decision quickly to help broaden students’ learning opportunities both inside and outside of class.