Mobile technology has made major advances in the few short years that cell phones have come on the scene. In a relatively short time, computers have gone from being the size of a small apartment to fitting snugly in your pocket. Now we're seeing learning go mobile as well. We're no longer forced to carry out all of our learning in a single physical location when we can carry our classrooms in our pockets anywhere in the world.

Here are five reasons why mobile learning can benefit your business.

Convenience

The biggest advantage when it comes to mobile learning is that both instructors and students can access their course materials from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Students also find that the flexibility that mobile learning provides in the form of videos, podcasts, ebooks, etc. translates into a more personalised learning experience. This often works out to more students completing the courses and those who do finish, retain more of the information for longer periods. 

Quick distribution

As smartphones become the standard for communication, often replacing landline telephones and other devices, that means that every student in a class can receive instant updates to courses and no-one ever again misses a last-minute change. And students aren't limited to accessing courses from a single device. In fact, learners will find that they can use the device of their choosing, whether that be smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC. 

Collaboration

Mobile technology brings everyone together. It makes teachers more accessible to students and it makes peer-to-peer interaction easier, as well. Giving learners a way to send messages to one another via private forums, chat, and text message is a novel way to encourage engagement and deeper learning. Students no longer have to struggle with not understanding a concept because their fellow students and instructor are a simple text away.

Engagement

Most people are never more than a few feet from their cell phone at any time. And increasing numbers of people are spending every spare moment on their smartphones. That is a golden opportunity for elearners to spend more time engaging with their course work. Even if a student can't set aside large chunks of time in their day to devote to doing course work, mobile learning can allow them to take advantage of any downtime and spare moments they have throughout the day to get in a little studying. 

Mobile learning can be more immersive since technology gives us so many options and different ways for students to engage with the materials and with each other. That allows for a deeper learning experience and increased satisfaction with the course overall. 

Self-driven

Mobile technology puts control of the learning experience back in the hands of the student. With online access to their courses and materials 24 hours a day, seven days a week, there is no need for any student to ever complain again about not being able to find the time to complete assignments or do the reading. Students quickly understand that they are responsible for their own success in the course and that can help give them an increased sense of ownership over what they are learning. 

Marleen Anderson is part of the team behind Saxons, Australia-based company providing IT support services and IT training. She is a technology addict with a huge interest in entrepreneurship.