How Will Tablets Influence Mobile Learning

The use of mobile tablets is rapidly increasing. The IDC has upwardly adjusted its sales forecast to a predicted demand of 107.4 million units worldwide for the year. Generally, the divide amongst iOS and Android tablets will continue to rest marginally to Apple's advantage, while some other tablet operating systems will fail to make a real or lasting impression.

 But this type of penetration isn't yet adequate to reach the classic classroom setting. The trend of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), where by people bring their own laptops and various other devices with them to the work place, simply isn't as applicable to a classroom, where convenience will always be essential. In other words, pens and paper and books will continue being more widely available than alternative technologies.

 This means that schools will always trail behind the cutting edge, but that doesn't necessarily mean mobile learning won't take off. The internet has proved that learning definitely isn't just confined to schools. Online learning providers are thriving. Even though smartphones have heralded the arrival of mobile apps, a plethora of research indicates that it's tablets which will prove to be a comfortable home for mobile learning.

 The Appeal of Tablets

 An important difference between tablets and smartphones is monetisation: Apple tablets are classified as the better of the two. 14% of Apple's app downloads require payment, as opposed to only 1% for Android. Consequently content providers need to find alternative methods to produce revenue. However, based on a report by the Online Publishers' Association, 23% of apps downloaded on tablets are paid-for. In addition, a Nielson report reveals that 40% of tablet users find ads acceptable, compared to 30% of smartphone users. Given the ever-troubling challenge of -How to monetise?', advertising continues to be an significant function in bankrolling app advancement, tablet advantage in this domain may prove essential.

 An additional advantage is the fact that tablets are usually used more for significant purposes, such as business or finance apps, in contrast to this smartphones top uses have been established as being Facebook and games. This means that educational content may well be more attractive to tablet users than users of smartphones.

 Rising behaviours

 And there's a further understanding which could directly supplement mobile learning: the growth of -dual screening'. This is where you watch television while using another device. David Gosen, Head of digital strategy in Europe for Nielson, says: -Tablets are driving a clear boost in -dual screening'. This is certainly both positive and negative for advertisers. People are more distracted during TV ad breaks, with 64 percent simultaneously using a tablet while watching TV at least -several times a week'.-

 Nonetheless what's detrimental to advertisers could be seen as particularly helpful in the e-learning sphere: user conduct shows that tablets are quite happily observed as being a complementary device - people are comfortable accessing content or information while watching a TV show (or more likely, as the adverts are on).

 For advertisers this is an undesirable diversion. But educational content providers should really give attention to harnessing of the tablet to supply multimedia content spanning conventional and digital publishing - this means companion apps that complement online or in-book content. An app can relate with a tv program, or a section in a book, or possibly a website, data shows that this process will prove powerful to consumers. Educational content that suits the tablet's capabilities - and understands the best way tablets tend to be used - will blossom.