Mobile learning holds real potential for Further Education

In recent years, the definition of a learner studying at a Further Education College has grown to encompass a broad range of people of varying ages and across a number of different backgrounds. In age, they range from 16 year olds arriving straight from school to mature learners looking to retrain for a new career, and all the way through to retired people taking a course for the pure joy of learning.

In terms of aspiration, they can range from those taking academic qualifications with a view to going to university, to those embarking upon a vocational qualification as a route directly into their chosen career. In terms of time commitment they range from those studying full time and maintaining a part time job, all the way through to those who study part-time to fit their educational experience around existing work and family commitments.

And while the profile and personal circumstances of this learner base may be diverse, one thing that is clear is that they can all benefit from more flexible modes of learning. Government proposals designed to ensure our educational system is affordable and fit for purpose – such as upping the number of apprenticeships, 2-year degrees, greater use of online courses and more degree level qualifications to be delivered in FE institutions – all point towards a future in which learning will take place in more diverse environments.

Adopting mobile learning solutions therefore holds real potential for FE colleges looking to ensure their educational offering is in tune with the demands of their students. Students have their mobile phone with them at all times, making it a great way of delivering relevant timely information such as news, events sports and a range of student life and service options. Also, while students are unlikely to want to read 1,000 page reports on their mobile device, it is an ideal environment for students to check grades and assignments, email classmates and instructors, add discussion board comments and blog posts on the move. Educators must always seek to encourage learners to return to their learning, both on a daily basis for existing students and longer term for former students. As many students communicate regularly and frequently in the mobile world then so must educators. Not all social networking spaces are appropriate to deliver learning, but as many students are living much of their lives in an online mobile world then at least some encouragement to learn must happen in this space.

FE institutions have traditionally proved themselves both flexible and adaptable to their users’ needs, as the central role they occupy within local communities means they are well placed to be directly responsive to the requirements and expectations of learners and local employers. In addition, their familiarity with running apprenticeships and courses which include involvement from local industry means they are already familiar with the concept of taking learning outside of the classroom. However, despite the results of a recent Mobile Learning Network report which revealed a remarkable 96% of participating students claimed mobile technology helps them to learn, thus far the FE sector has been slow to invest in the technological solutions that enable effective learning anytime, anywhere via the mobile phone.

The severity of the funding cuts implemented by the new government help to explain the caution with which FE institutions have approached investment in mobile technologies, despite the evidence of their relevance to the sector and the positive impact they can have upon the learning experience. A recent survey commissioned by Blackboard and conducted through the NUS, revealed a significant number of FE students now own an Android™ or Blackberry® smartphone or Apple® OS based device such as an iPhone®, iPad® or iPod touch®. A phenomenal opportunity therefore exists for forward-looking colleges to use strategic investment in mobile solutions as a key differentiator to increase student intake, encourage new streams of revenue from the private sector and ensure the full complement of funding for each and every student. Blackboard’s own offerings include Blackboard Mobile™ Central, which delivers the mobile campus experience and Blackboard Mobile Learn, which takes the next step by bringing the classroom experience and learning content directly to the mobile phone.

Further Education colleges will have tough funding choices to make in the coming months, but it is imperative that institutions look beyond the short term and ensure the right choices are made. Students demand access to the latest technology as part of their educational experience. Effective mobile solutions which enhance both the academic and non-academic experience therefore help FE establishments to improve student satisfaction levels and to differentiate themselves from their rivals. The institutions that succeed in the years to come will be those that make sure they have the systems in place to meet and exceed the demands of their students.

Richard Horton is vice president EMEA at Blackboard, the education software company that works with more than 5,000 institutions and millions of users