Understanding the difference between mlearning and elearning can be confusing. Some people use it interchangeably and in some cases, they are right to do so.
Both of these learning methods can be accessed remotely. You do not have to be inside a traditional classroom to get the education or training that you need to improve your knowledge and skills. While that similarity might seem to seal the deal, there are certain differences that you need to know because these are actually two different learning styles.
The first difference, and probably the most obvious, is how they are accessed. Elearning can be accessed via the Internet using a laptop or a desktop. The key characteristic here is that the learner should be in a stationary place. Although a laptop can be moved, the learners has to stay in one place so they can really absorb what they are seeing on the screen. Mlearning, or mobile learning on the other hand, still needs the Internet but it also allows the learners to experience the learning process literally anytime and anywhere. Even if the learner is in a bus or waiting in line, they can conveniently complete the course that they are taking.
The second difference between elearning and mobile learning is in the navigation. When you are learning through the latter, you usually have to contend with a smaller screen. It is more difficult to see minute details. This is why developers should be careful when they are designing an elearning course that can be viewed through a mobile device. They need to take into consideration the smaller screen that could be a hindrance in the learning experience. Viewing in mlearning is usually more difficult. You already have to deal with the smaller screen and you also have to make hyperlinks big enough for the finger to touch without affecting anything else on the screen. The mouse cursor usually requires a smaller spot when clicking a link or something similar. In a touch screen device, the finger might activate something else by mistake.
The third difference is time. You cannot make an mlearning course as long as its elearning counterpart. First of all, those accessing the course through a mobile device are most likely in a highly distracting environment. That means you need to make your course really short – maybe a couple of minutes (3-5 minutes) or so only. For elearning, you can make it longer – but still relatively short like less than 30 minutes.
If you are creating a course that you want to be accessed in any way, it is important that you understand the difference between mlearning and elearning. You need to realize that you will need to tweak a couple of elements in your elearning course if you want it to be accessible through a mobile device.
Take note that there are courses that are best learned through elearning while there are those that are perfect for mobile learning. By understanding both learning methods, you can design the perfect course that can increase the retention, engagement and overall learning experience for the students.
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