6 Main Differences between eLearning and mLearning

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Advancements in technology have really improved
how and to what extent education is disseminated
to students from all over the world. eLearning
and mLearning are among the education
technologies that have grown significantly over
the past few years. While the two terms can be
used interchangeably to describe a form of
education delivered outside the brick-and-mortar
classes, there are significant differences
between the two. In this article, we are going
to delve deeper into the meanings of each of
these modes of learning, to help you get an
insight of what they are all about.
Differences between eLearning and mLearning
Understanding the difference between eLearning
and mLearning education is important for both the
learner and the institutions offering the desired
courses or programs. And when comparing the two
modes of education, there are many aspects that
come into play. Below are some of key aspects
that differentiate between these two cutting-edge
technologies 1. Definition eLearning means
electronic learning in simple terms. It's used to
refer to a form of education where learning
instruction is delivered via the internet using
electronic devices like PCs and laptops. This
mode of learning can be channeled through an
online Learning Management System (LMS) or video
conference system.
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On the other hand mLearning refers to Mobile
Learning. The term is basically used to depict a
form of learning where knowledge is disseminated
to students through handheld or portable
devices. As you can see, both eLearning and
mLearning utilize digital communication in
delivering education. But that's as far as the
similarities can go.

• Purpose
• eLearning is mainly geared towards teaching
  students specific skills or imparting in-depth
  knowledge on a given field or topic. For
  instance, eLearning can be appropriate when
  instructing learners how to operate machines,
  carry out lab tests or formulae organizational
  policies. In essence, eLearning takes on a
  structured, formal and time- bound format of
  teaching.
• mLearning , on the other hand, is used to support
  an ongoing learning process by supplying
  learners with concise pieces of information. This
  mode of learning can be ideal when the
  instructor wants pass a to-do list or short but
  important info regarding a given subject. Hence,
  it can be described as on-demand, timely and
  context-aware form of education dissemination.
• Time Gap between Assessments
• With eLearning tools, there's usually a
  significant amount of time between knowledge
  dissemination and application of practical
  solutions in tests. Assessments or tests may
  take place weeks or months after learning, which
  makes its format longer and broader.

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• When someone is learning through the mLearning
  format, he or she is mostly required to
• make informed decisions and apply solutions
  immediately. Some modules even require a few
  minutes to finish. MLearning has a shorter gap
  between learning and application of
• the learned material. This mode of learning is
  mostly used by business leaders to assess
  employees' overall comprehension on a given topic
  or project ideas.
• Medium of Delivery
• eLearning is chiefly delivered through computers
  and laptops. It also employs the use of internet
  and may involve the use of video conferencing
  equipment or software. A perfect example of
  video conference software used in eLearning is
  the ezTalks Cloud Meeting. Using this online
  platform, instructors can host short classes
  online and interact with students via live
  full-HD audio and video streaming. With ezTalks a
  lecturer or instructor can deliver classes to
  hundreds of students from all over the world at
  the same time. This video conferencing software
  allows students to learn through text, image,
  audio and video files sharing. Learners using
  eLearning platforms are usually confined to their
  desks.
• For mLearning, information is delivered to
  students over their smartphones and/or tablets.
  The learning instruction can be sent via text
  message or through a specific learning app.
  Learners can basically access learning materials
  from mobile device OS including Android, Windows
  and iOS. The only advantage to this mode of
  learning is that information can be consumed and
  acted upon from any location. However, designers
  are faced with the challenge of creating
  eLearning files that can download and open
  seamlessly.
• Design
• With eLearning, instructors and learners make use
  of desktop computers and laptops to deliver
  and/or consume education materials and
  instruction. That means learning is disseminated
  through large screens. It might also involve the
  use big LCD screens for live HD video streaming
  of lessons. With the use of such online video
  conference software as ezTalks Cloud Meeting,
  learners can enjoy learning lots of interactive
  features. The instructor can engage learners
  through instant screen sharing, innovative
  whiteboards and cross-platform chats. That gives
  students to explore a given topic or

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field of study using an array of tools and
methods, which makes learning more fun
and productive. MLearning platform allows for
sharing of learning information through mobile
devices. That means mLearning files are designed
for simple screens and simple navigation. Unlike
eLearning, it doesn't involve detailed
information, complex graphics or more media with
less bandwidth restrictions. Rather, information
is designed with bite-sized modules, 1 idea per
screen, large buttons and simple navigation. The
best thing about the mLearning design is that it
can be used while on-the-go. 6. Learning
Duration eLearning programs not only feature more
complex graphics but are also designed to allow
learners to sit and learn for longer periods of
time. Courses covered under this form of
learning also tend to be broader in terms of
coverage. However, those creating eLearning
platforms should keep in mind the recommended 20
to 30 minutes maximum limit to lessons or
learning sessions. On the other hand, mLearning
systems are designed for corporate learners and
smartphone users who have limited time to learn.
While creating mLearning courses, the designer
should structure them into bite-sized pieces
ranging between 3 to 10 minutes. Videos may be
shared over eLearning system but shouldn't be
more than 3 minutes long. Conclusion As you can
see, eLearning and mLearning have some
significant differences between them. However,
that does not mean one of them is better than the
other. In fact, the mLearning can perfectly be
blended with eLearning to supplement course
delivery. But for those who would want to adopt
a more consistent method of learning or training,
it can be better to settle for the more
consistent between the two. https//www.eztalks.c
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