Many professionals think that m-learning (mobile learning) is simply a branch on the tree of e-learning (electronic learning). Ultimately, m-learning is just another form of learning using electronics, just on a smaller mobile screen … right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. But luckily, they each have their own individual merits. And by understanding how they’re different, you can leverage them both the right way in your learning and development programs.
Here’s how m-learning and e-learning are different.
Medium of Delivery
This is probably the most obvious difference between the two. With e-learning, learners are tied to a laptop or desktop screen, but the screens are typically larger and typically enable better attention spans from learners. With m-learning, learners can access learning content on tablets and smartphones with smaller screens while they’re on the go, and learners are more easily distracted.
Duration of Learning Content
E-learning courses are longer than m-learning courses. They run from 15 to 60 minutes each, while m-learning courses are typically only 2 to 5 minutes each.
Learning Design
E-learning courses provide more detailed information, and more complex graphics and types of content at one time since they have greater bandwidth and larger screens. M-learning modules, on the other hand, only offer one idea per screen and provide simpler navigation and more interactive graphics.
Assessments in Learning
With m-learning, learning and practice are one and the same, and they happen simultaneously. And since it consists of short modules, m-learning is intended to assess learners’ instant comprehension of learning material and how they apply what they’ve just learned. E-learning, however, is designed to assess a learner’s comprehension over a longer span of time. Sometimes there can be days or weeks in between when they complete a module and when their comprehension of the module or course material is tested.
Learning Purpose
E-learning is typically best utilized when you need learners to access in-depth course material in a Learning Management System (LMS) over a greater span of time. The content focuses on specific skills and imparts in-depth knowledge about a subject. Comprehension and knowledge retention are the key learning objectives with e-learning.
With m-learning, the sole learning objective is to provide learners with access to information while they are on the go, in their moment of need. M-learning is also used to support ongoing learning processes and more robust programs. Oftentimes, m-learning is used for practicing a skill at shorter intervals, more frequently, while providing context to their daily workloads and tasks. M-learning refines the learning process so it matches the current contextual environment of each learner, where e-learning establishes the context first.
Both methods of learning have their own merits. And the most well-rounded learning and development programs will utilize both methods.