Mastering Online Learning with Mobile Devices: Tips for Studying on Your Phone

Introduction: Why Mobile Learning Matters

Did you know that 90% of the world’s 8 billion population uses smartphones? These devices have become an important part of our everyday lives. That said, college students without smartphones are an anomaly. Some of them are even succeeding at their online learning with mobile devices.

Here’s another fact we bet you didn’t know: The mobile learning concept is more than 30 years older than the first Blackberry! There are still colleges with relatively low cost tech requirements.

Mobile learning, or mLearning, was first imagined in 1968 by Alan Kay. He was a computer scientist who dreamed of a portable device called the “Dynabook” to let kids learn anywhere. While the Dynabook was never made, it inspired the idea of online learning with mobile devices.

Things started to change with the rise of smartphone apps, which made it easier for educational tools to be accessed on mobile devices. By 2012, only 45% of top learning organizations had adopted mobile learning, though 70% planned to do so soon. Make sure to check out our guide to affordable learning software for more savings.

The slow adoption was due to uncertainty about using the new technology effectively. Many organizations were simply moving their existing learning content to mobile platforms without making it engaging or suited for the new medium. This approach was often dull and ineffective for learners, especially given the technology available in 2008.

But today, online mobile learning is starting to overpower traditional learning styles. This rings true among the adult student population. 64% of college students work, which means that colleges must adapt to the evolving needs of their students. Mobile learning is a great foundation on which to build an affordable study setup.

Traditional classroom settings and rigid schedules don’t suit the needs of working adults. The high cost of education also makes many students decide not to pursue college at all. However, adult learners can effectively balance their work, family, and education through online learning with mobile devices.

Choosing the right mobile learning tool can be challenging, given the many options available. In this post, we will discuss how to choose the right device and include a few study tips for mobile learners. We will focus on affordable technology for students to ensure that cost is not a barrier to effective learning.

Choosing the Right Device: Affordable Options

Tablets

Pros	Cons
– Easy to use for younger students – Abundance of educational apps available – Lightweight and portable – Usable in any classroom setting	– Some websites, particularly social media, may be blocked – Difficult for students to learn touch-typing without physical keys – Battery life can be short due to high app usage

Best budget tablets for online learning with mobile devices:

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Wi-Fi 11″ Tablet
2. Apple iPad 10.2″ 64GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (2021 Release)
3. Amazon Fire Max 11 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (2023 Model)
4. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus 10″ 32GB Wi-Fi Tablet (3rd Gen)
5. Google Pixel 128GB 11″ Tablet With Charging Speaker Dock

Smartphones

Pros	Cons
– Highly portable and can fit in a pocket, making them convenient for on-the-go use – Offers a wide range of educational apps similar to tablets – Facilitates communication with peers and educators through calls, texts, and apps – Often have longer battery life compared to tablets due to fewer high-performance demands	– Smaller screen sizes can make it harder to read and interact with educational content – More susceptible to distractions from social media, games, and other non-educational apps – Touch-typing can be more challenging on smaller screens – Limited multitasking capabilities compared to tablets

The most sought-after phones today that are in use in online learning with mobile devices include:

1. Apple iPhone XR
2. Google Pixel 3
3. Galaxy Note 10
4. LG V50 ThinQ
5. OnePlus 12R

With almost 250 gadget brands available globally, picking the right one can be overwhelming. While Apple, Samsung, and Google devices are well-known, they might not be the best choice for everyone due to personal preferences or budget constraints.

When choosing a mobile device, consider these factors:

Cost

Check your budget to see how much you can comfortably spend on a mobile device without taking on debt or using credit cards excessively. On average, well-known brands and models cost around $700 to $1,200, which can be quite a financial commitment. However, many affordable options are available that provide good value without breaking the bank.

Consider mid-range or previous-generation models from well-known brands for reliable performance at a lower cost. Also, explore budget-friendly brands that offer good features at a more affordable price.

Durability and Reparability

Recent trends indicate that the average replacement cycle for mobile devices is now under two years. This shorter lifespan contributes to environmental impacts, which could be reduced by extending the use of these devices.

So, what can you do?

1. Look for phones with a reputation for being robust and those that have readily available repair parts.
2. Purchase from brands that provide clear and accessible repair guides and support services.
3. Opt for models that receive regular software updates; this can improve the device’s longevity by keeping it functional and secure over time.

Compatibility

Next, you need to make sure that the device is compatible with the software your school requires you to use. This means checking that it meets the hardware and software requirements, like having enough memory, storage, and processing power.

Also, make sure the devices are compatible with the program’s operating system. If they’re not, you’ll need to figure out how to make everything work together or consider finding a different solution.

Device security

You might think that security isn’t a big deal since you’re a student, but it’s actually crucial. Did you know that cyber attacks on higher education have been on the rise lately? Students are particularly vulnerable. Hackers can exploit weak security measures to access sensitive information, steal their identity, or breach data.

Some of the features you should look for include:

• Encryption ensures that data is protected both on a device and during transmission.
• Remote management allows users to administer their devices from a distance. This may include app installation and device locking.
• Automatic updates to enable apps to be updated automatically without user intervention.

Top Mobile Apps for Online Classes

We’ve tested the free versions of these vastly popular mobile study apps, which help online college students manage class schedules and track deadlines. All of these are valuable in online learning with mobile devices. Yet, each has its own strengths, which we will also list.

• Evernote -Suited for handling work-related notes with features for recording photos, web content, and sketches.
• Google Calendar – Perfect for tracking events with a calendar view.
• Trello – Great for Kanban-style task management using boards, lists, and cards.
• ToDoist – Ideal for managing to-do lists with an easy-to-navigate interface.
• Apple Reminders – Best for creating reminders with a built-in alarm system.
• Google Keep – Best for various daily tasks focusing on notes and reminders.
• Clockify – Ideal for time tracking to understand how your time is spent.
• Pocket – Best for saving and organizing read-it-later content like articles and videos.
• Plaky – Excellent for organizing projects in a table view.
• Calendly – Designed for scheduling meetings by integrating with Google Calendar.

Creating a Mobile Study Space

Engaging in online classes on-the-go is not an easy task. Your ability to control your schedule and pace is a power you need to manage well; otherwise, you may struggle to keep up with assignments and deadlines.

It’s even easier to procrastinate when using a phone or tablet instead of a desktop or laptop. However, you still can have efficient mobile study habits with the right strategies.

1. Find a quiet, comfy place to study, even if it’s just a makeshift setup.
2. Purchase a tablet stand to help you avoid neck strain by keeping your device at a good angle.
3. You should also consider a Bluetooth keyboard to simplify typing long essays or notes.
4. Invest in a high-quality noise-canceling headphone. This will help you concentrate on what you’re doing on your phone wherever you are.
5. Sync your phone, tablet, and computer to ensure easy access to your files and notes from any device. This will streamline your learning process.

Best Practices for Mobile Learning

You need high self-control and discipline to ensure success in online learning with mobile devices. Here are a few tips on how to enhance your mobile learning experience and stay on track:

#1: Maximize mobile-friendly educational resources. These resources are designed to be accessible and engaging, making studying effectively while on the go easier.

#2: Define what you want to achieve. Set goals in each study session.

#3: Organize your study materials. Create subject-specific folders and use labels or tags to find and access your needs easily.

#4: You should be mindful of where you’re going. Some places may not have a fast internet connection. To avoid disruptions, download essential materials and resources ahead of time

#5: Choose apps that fit your study style. Use note-taking apps like Notion or Evernote for organized and accessible notes. Task management apps like Todoist or Trello help keep track of assignments and deadlines.

One of the best tips for studying with a smartphone you can ever get is to create a study schedule and stick to it. Consistency helps build good study habits and makes it easier to manage your workload.

Accessing Mobile-Friendly Educational Resources

Digital learning on a budget doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing quality. Many educational resources are free or at a low cost, offering valuable tools to enhance your learning. Here are a few of the most valuable mobile-friendly educational resources:

Online Learning Apps:

• Khan Academy
• Coursera
• Duolingo

Research Apps:

• TED
• CliffsNotes
• Wikipedia

Career App:

• Steppingblocks

Essay Writing App:

• Grammarly

Dictionary Apps:

• Oxford Dictionary
• Merriam-Webster
• Dictionary.com

Calculator Apps:

• Graphing Calculator + Math
• Calculator + Scientific

Health App:

• MyFitnessPal

Finance Apps:

• Mint
• Acorns

Staying Connected: How to Participate in Online Discussions and Group Work

Pursuing a college education on mobile devices can feel isolating because you miss out on daily face-to-face interactions. Building connections with classmates and instructors requires extra effort in an online setting.

First off, remember to take a moment to center yourself before diving into your online work. Start each session with a clear mind. Spend a couple of minutes on your breathing and setting your intention.

Be active in your classes by introducing yourself and engaging with posts in the Discussion Forum. Form an online study group on platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom to collaborate and stay motivated. Use your professors’ feedback and announcements, and don’t hesitate to ask questions via email. Make sure to include course details and check for replies regularly.

Conclusion: Maximizing Your Learning with Mobile Technology

Online learning with mobile devices is a rising trend that offers unparalleled flexibility and accessibility. With mobile devices, you can manage your coursework, participate in discussions, and access learning materials from virtually anywhere.

To really make the most of mobile learning, make sure you have a good internet connection and get comfortable with the apps and platforms your courses use. It’s super helpful to set up notifications and sync your calendar with your class schedule. This way, you’ll keep track of deadlines and stay organized without the stress.