Today, mobile phones are defiitely more affordable than computers. That’s why a large portion of the population in developing countries have access to them.
So what does it mean? Actually, this widespread accessibility means that learning can take place anytime and anywhere.
Luckily for all of us, m-learning isn’t just for traditional students. Adults and those with tight schedules can also benefit from this great opportunity.
What’s more, in classrooms, educators incorporate specific apps to enhance the learning experience more and more actively.
And the content provided often aligns with local needs. Plus, it can be delivered in local languages.
What are the implications of these tendencies? Basically, this promotes lifelong learning, extending beyond formal education.
However, like all systems, m-learning has its challenges. Of course, it couldn’t be different. While mobile phone penetration is high, not everyone owns a device. Sadly, but true, especially in developing countries.
On top of that, unstable internet connections can hinder the learning process. Plus, with a mobile device, distractions are just a click away.
You can easily switch your attention to social media and lose focus. And one last thing: there’s a learning curve for users to develop essential digital skills.
In the same vein, as technology continues to shape education in developing countries, students globally are seeking new ways to excel academically.
Many students, overwhelmed with complex tasks, often think, “Who can write my dissertation for me?” Understanding this need, numerous services have sprung up to offer assistance.
Good news: by choosing to get help from these platforms, students can collaborate with professional writers. These experts basically provide insights, support, and quality content to help learners succeed.
So, while m-learning grows in one part of the world, dissertation writing services are providing valuable assistance to students everywhere.
Mobile Learning Statistics
According to a study by Educause Center for Analysis and Research (ECAR), over 90% of college students in the U.S. use smartphones.
This is quite a high percentage, isn’t it? And what’s important, 75% of those students use them for academic purposes.
Also, UNESCO reported that countries like India and parts of Africa have been leveraging mobile learning to counter some serious educational issues.
These are, let’s say, sparse teacher distribution and insufficient educational materials. So, this gives us some hope.
Mobile learning also has facilitated the rise of microlearning. By the way, Software Advice recently made an interesting report.
They found that 58% of employees would be more likely to use their company’s online learning tools if the content was broken down into multiple, shorter lessons. We can use this discovery to our benefit.
Smartphones in Developing Countries
As we all can see, smartphones have become a common sight in developing nations. More and more people own them now. Why? The reasons are simple: cost, portability, and functionality.
Computers, especially laptops, can be really expensive. In contrast, a variety of smartphones are available at multiple price points.
Even budget-friendly phones now come with features that support learning, which is absolutely amazing. This makes them a pocket-friendly option for many families in developing countries.
Moreover, many local brands produce affordable smartphones nowadays. These local devices are often tailored to the specific needs and preferences of their home markets. Basically, it adds convenience.
In short, with smartphones, students have a multi-functional device. They can read e-books, watch videos, use educational apps, and even write notes.
This multipurpose nature means students don’t need to invest in multiple costly tools. They don’t need separate e-readers or video players.
Actually, everything they require for a basic digital learning experience is in their hands.
Surprisingly enough, in many developing countries, mobile data has become more affordable than fixed-line internet.
Combined with the proliferation of mobile network towers, even remote areas now have some level of connectivity.
Thus, smartphones paired with affordable data plans ensure that students remain connected. They can download resources, participate in online forums, or even attend virtual classes. What else is needed for learning success?
Bridging the Educational Divide: Smartphones Level the Field
One of the glaring disparities in many developing countries is the educational chasm between urban and rural areas.
Historically, cities have been hubs of resources, technology, and institutions. Meanwhile, villages often lag behind.
But smartphones are now playing a huge role in bridging this unfair divide. They actually make education more democratic and much more accessible.
Equalizing Access to Resources
Before, if a student lived in a village, they might not have had access to the same quality of:
- textbooks
- libraries
- teachers as their urban counterparts.
But smartphones are quickly changing this narrative. With an internet connection, a student in the most remote village can now access the same wealth of online resources as someone in the city. This means that two students, miles apart, can:
- read the same e-book
- practice math through the same app
- even attend the same online tutorial.
Bringing the World to the Village
Educational videos are often available for free or at a minimal cost. On platforms like YouTube, they provide visual and interactive learning to anybody.
So a student in a rural area can now understand complex scientific concepts. How? Just by watching a demonstration video or delve into history by viewing documentary content.
This exposure not only aids in understanding but also makes learning more engaging for those who want to gain knowledge.
Learning from Global Experts
The beauty of smartphone-enabled education is that it’s not restricted by geography. What does it mean? Students aren’t limited to learning from local teachers.
They can attend virtual lectures by experts from anywhere in the world, even from Harvard. For instance, a student in Africa can learn coding from a Silicon Valley expert or understand Shakespeare under the guidance of a professor from England. This was not possible before at any point in history.
Building Communities Beyond Borders
Smartphones allow students from remote areas to connect with peers worldwide. With just a phone, they can do so many things: discuss subjects, clarify doubts, and work on group projects without being in the same location.
These virtual communities foster collaboration and provide a support system to everybody involved. So, a student from a small village might find a study partner from another part of the world.
