M-Learning vs. E-Learning
The 'E' in E-Learning stands for electronic. The 'M' in M-Learning is mobile.
In many regards, E-Leaning and M-Learning are similar. Both seek to harness the advantages of technology to improve learning. With the advent of the modern Internet, technology has allowed for greater flexibility in learning than ever before. Learning can now be completed on an anytime anywhere basis, without the loss of connectivity between student and teacher or students with each other.
It is this flexibility that technology creates that allows for greater individuality in the learning experience.
In many regards, E-Leaning and M-Learning are similar. Both seek to harness the advantages of technology to improve learning. With the advent of the modern Internet, technology has allowed for greater flexibility in learning than ever before. Learning can now be completed on an anytime anywhere basis, without the loss of connectivity between student and teacher or students with each other.
It is this flexibility that technology creates that allows for greater individuality in the learning experience.
E-learning is learning utilizing electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom.
M-learning is any kind of learning that takes place via a portable, hand-held electronic device, i.e. a mobile device. Such devices include, but are not limited to, the Smartphone and may also include tablet computers, netbooks, and digital readers.
M-learning is any kind of learning that takes place via a portable, hand-held electronic device, i.e. a mobile device. Such devices include, but are not limited to, the Smartphone and may also include tablet computers, netbooks, and digital readers.
Both E-Learning and M-Learning have grown in popularity as educational technologies have advanced. While many would argue that the two are fundamentally the same, both being a means to deliver educational materials outside of the traditional classroom, there are notable differences between the two.
The Primary Difference
E-Learning has traditionally been focused on teaching specific skills or knowledge about a specific topic. As a result E-Learning has a more traditional and structured format. M-Learning, in comparison, is better positioned to support an ongoing learning process as it is able to provide concise pieces of information. This allows a series of shorter important concepts or skills to be provided to students in an on-demand basis. |
Delivery
E-Learning is primarily designed to be completed through more traditional educational technologies like desktop and laptop computers. It takes advantage of the internet to access and share information in a variety of formats including video conferencing.
Video conferencing allows the instructor to host online classes that enable the students to synchronously interact with the instructor and their peers visually as well as by text and simple audio. Given this platform, students are often found in a more formal setting.
E-Learning can offer mobility and access to learning on a flexible basis if one of two factors can be met. Firstly, a mobile Internet connection, and secondly a course that allows materials to be downloaded and viewed at the learner's convenience.
M-Learning, offers true mobility as information is delivered to students over their mobile devices. Learning materials from mobile device operating systems, including Android, Windows and iOS, support a variety of common formats and delivery methods. The student's learning can be managed by Learning Management Systems specifically designed to support M-learning.
Communication with the instructor can be achieved across a variety of mediums ensuring that students can be made aware of lesson instructions and expectations.
E-Learning is primarily designed to be completed through more traditional educational technologies like desktop and laptop computers. It takes advantage of the internet to access and share information in a variety of formats including video conferencing.
Video conferencing allows the instructor to host online classes that enable the students to synchronously interact with the instructor and their peers visually as well as by text and simple audio. Given this platform, students are often found in a more formal setting.
E-Learning can offer mobility and access to learning on a flexible basis if one of two factors can be met. Firstly, a mobile Internet connection, and secondly a course that allows materials to be downloaded and viewed at the learner's convenience.
M-Learning, offers true mobility as information is delivered to students over their mobile devices. Learning materials from mobile device operating systems, including Android, Windows and iOS, support a variety of common formats and delivery methods. The student's learning can be managed by Learning Management Systems specifically designed to support M-learning.
Communication with the instructor can be achieved across a variety of mediums ensuring that students can be made aware of lesson instructions and expectations.
Design
E-Learning takes advantage of the larger screens of desktops or laptops to both deliver content and have that content consumed by the learner. M- Learning shares learning via mobile devices. As a result, learning content must be designed for a smaller screen and provide simpler navigation. Traditionally, M-Learning does not provide detailed information or complex graphics or media. Instead, materials are designed in smaller modules that are easier to navigate and consume. |
Duration
E-Learning is designed to allow learners to sit and learn for longer periods of time. Courses employing E-Learning are often broader in terms of content. Lesson are, nonetheless, recommended to be between a maximum of 20 to 30 minutes in duration. M-Learning is designed to be consumed on a smaller screen in an 'on the go' manner. Learning materials should, therefore, be in smaller 'bite-sized pieces', with the individual lesson taking between 3 to 10 minutes. |
Assessment
Due to the structure of E-Learning tools, there is more time between learning content the application of that knowledge. M-Learning will often require the learner to make an informed decisions and apply solutions immediately. This is because modules are shorter in length and deal with specific topics. As a result, feedback on specific assessment items accessed directly from the applications used, as well as feedback from instructors, is often quick and timely . |