The Potential of Mobile Learning in China
Posted on October 4, 2010 by Li Feng
In recent years, there has been a relatively new trend in e-learning: mobile learning. The two words are pretty self-explanatory but to put it in simple terms, as I see it, mobile learning uses mobile devices to facilitate the learning process so that learning takes place ANY TIME and ANYWHERE. Learning becomes mobile and knowledge becomes more accessible than ever. Experts in this field, which I don’t consider myself, would likely provide a much more involved description and explanation of mobile learning, but I think this captures the essence of the trend.
As a mobile user myself of the current generation and an individual that has experienced much travel, I find the concept and emerging practices of mobile learning are in line with the modern lifestyle regardless of where you live and learn in the world. More than ever it seems people are always “on the go” now. By my own observation and based on my own personal experience, it seems mobile phones and mobile devices have gradually become an indispensable part of people’s everyday life. This is the case in an emerging way at least in China as well as in most other countries in the world.
From my involvement with UMassOnline, I’ve learned there are a variety of ways students today are taking advantage of mobile learning: accessing course content (adapted to the small screen of a cell phone), holding discussions, receiving grades, and interacting with the other learners and the instructor on their cell phones whenever they need to, whether they are in the subway, on the train, or just sitting in the sun. Obviously, if mobile learners are able to do this, teachers are providing the content for mobile compatibility. Today, professors may upload lectures to the Apple iTunes Store and students can download it onto their iPods. Or, learners may choose to study a topic of interest via a cell phone application. Of chief benefit, in my opinion as an active mobile user, is that these approaches make learning more accessible; learners have more influence over what they want to learn and how they want to go about it.
Of course, in my experience even a great new technology does not entirely replace traditional tools and techniques, proven over time, and that remain popular due to familiarity or preferred functionality. Mobile learning seems to be no exception. Though I am focused on online learning, I still see much use of traditional learning tools, including books and computers.
Most analysts agree mobile learning has become rather popular in European countries, Australia, and Japan for some time, and recently in the United States as well. In China, it is still a rather new concept. However, did you know China has the world’s largest mobile market? With over 500 million cell phones users, it is my informed opinion, based on what I know about the country, that mobile learning is sure to catch up quickly…
What are your thoughts on mobile learning? How do you use it? What do you see as its benefits, or alternatively, its weaknesses? I look forward to your thoughts or comments on this topic. Please share with me here!
Tags: China Column, Online Learning, UMassOnline, UMassOnline Student BlogsPermalink | Trackback |
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