According to one research study, there are more mobile phone devices – including featured phones, smartphones and tablets – on Earth than there are people. The research showed how smartphones and mobile phone technology are growing five times faster than the human population. With this immense growth in mobile technology, in large part due to its easy accessibility, smart functions, and app ecosystems, it’s becoming essential to engage with the mobile world. Mobile devices have a big impact on our day to day lives, including our classrooms.

According to a PBS survey, 56 percent of children ages 8-12 have a cellphone; 58% of teens have access to a tablet computer; 91 percent of teens go online using a mobile device at least occasionally; and, more than 50% of parents said schools should make more use of mobile apps for education. 

In that same study, 86% of students find that technology makes them more effective and efficient at learning new tasks. 68% of parents agree that mobile devices and apps can help in teaching how to read, and 67% think they can help teach math. 

Kids now learn to swipe before they can tie their own shoes. And iPads, iPhones and tablet PCs are often given as gifts for teens and children. With these facts in mind, it’s easy to see why educational apps are gaining in popularity. 

Today’s smartphones are ultra-portable, meaning they weigh a fraction of other devices. Mobile phones have effective and efficient features like search and can capture targeted information. Students often find mobile devices more efficient and easy to carry than physical books. Students can download apps to study whenever and wherever they want – web browsing and apps can give students access to vast amounts of information. 

Education is now the third most popular category in Apple’s App Store. The worldwide m-learning market is projected to exceed $37 billion in 2020.

Whether you are specifically looking for ways to train your mind, organize your coursework, or expand your knowledge, there’s more than one app specifically designed to get the job done. Learning apps are making a difference. 

There are many benefits of using mobile educational applications, and students studying on mobile devices are nearly three times more likely to track their own progress. 60% of students say they would pay up to $5 for an app to support their learning.

Students and preschoolers tend to be more involved in their learning activities when they can access them from any device and any location. It allows a better connection to their learning when they can continue their activities when the class ends or when they go home. This higher level of engagement with the material can lead to better results and higher retention of new information.

Not shockingly, the availability of such applications has gone up massively over the last couple of years, with the Apple iTunes store alone having more than 65,200 educational apps. So, why is mobile learning being used in such a big way? Let’s have a look:

Apps are AVAILABLE 24/7:

Apps are easily available – there are no time schedules to access information.

Apps are INTERACTIVE:

Mobile apps offer a wide range of interesting and interactive activities for students and kids.

Apps help in the CLASSROOM:

Apps play a role in preparing little learners for their daily assignments at school. If a child knows what topic is going to be taught the next day, he or she can easily look it up on an app designed to teach that subject.

Apps are FUN!

Apps for kids are specifically designed to maximize engagement and keep them learning by making learning fun.

Apps are PORTABLE:

Road trips or long train or flight journeys provide the perfect opportunity to take out your smartphone or tablet and keep little minds busy and entertained with drawing, educational games or reading apps.