Navigate 4.1.1

Navigate 4.1.1
Trend Impact

I think that Mobile Learning is a trend that will most impact digital learning over the next five year.  As found on Wikipedia:

M-learning

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

  (Redirected from Mobile learning)

M-learning or mobile learning is defined as "learning across multiple contexts, through social and content interactions, using personal electronic devices.”^{[1]:page 4} A form of e-learning distance education, m-learners can use mobile device educational technology in many locations at their time convenience.^[2]
M-learning technologies include handheld computers, MP3 players, notebooks, mobile phones and tablets. M-learning focuses on the mobility of the learner, interacting with portable technologies. Using mobile tools for creating learning aids and materials becomes an important part of informal learning.^[3]
M-learning is convenient in that it is accessible from virtually anywhere. Sharing is almost instantaneous among everyone using the same content, which leads to the reception of instant feedback and tips. This highly active process has proven to increase exam scores from the fiftieth to the seventieth percentile, and cut the dropout rate in technical fields by 22 percent.^[4] M-learning also brings strong portability by replacing books and notes with small devices, filled with tailored learning contents.

The thing that I like most about mobile learning is that sharing information is almost instant. For example, a student in a culinary class walks into a bakery and see a beautiful example of cake decorating. She can just snap a picture and email it to her teacher. Also, people carry their mobile devices with them everywhere they go. That means that learning can take place anywhere and at anytime. And mobile learning is relevant. Almost everyone that I know has some sort of mobile technology with them. This trend is just getting bigger and bigger every year!