According to the Global Market Insights report, the global eLearning market had crossed the $250 billion point in 2020, and it keeps growing at a lightning pace. In the following years, experts predict this market to surpass $1 trillion at a stunning CAGR of 21% between 2022 and 2028.
The reasons for such a massive growth of eLearning are many. Namely, these include the global digitalization in education, growing demand for interactive and personalized learning solutions, and, of course, the outbreak of Covid-19 that showed us the importance and benefits of online classrooms.
Yet, while the entire eLearning market shows stable growth, there is one prevalent trend that interests us the most. Compared to the compound annual growth rate of eLearning in general (21%), the same indicator for mobile eLearning is even higher – 25% between 2022 and 2028. So, what role do mobile apps play in the eLearning sector?.
6 Stats Proving the Value of Mobile in Online Learning
Modern users have access to a wealth of mobile apps meant for different purposes, including learning. Using the right mobile app, every student can find someone to satisfy their write my paper online request, hire a tutor, master a foreign language, and study pretty much any subject. And there is a number of facts explaining the massive role of mobile apps in the eLearning sector.
1. Over 80% of People Use Smartphones
As reported by Statista, currently, around 6.648 billion people across the globe own a mobile phone. That’s 83.72% of the whole population. Google’s research also found that 27% of people are more likely to use just a smartphone, in contrast to 14% who are more likely to solely use a computer.
Given so many mobile users in the world, it becomes clear that the easiest way to reach today’s learners is via their smartphones.
2. Nearly 60% of Learners Prefer Vertical Mobile Orientation
According to the eLearning Infographics report, 59.9% of online learners love mobile for the vertical device orientation it provides. Computers have horizontal screens, which are preferred by only 40.1%.
3. Mobile Users Spend 91% of Time on Apps
Knowing that over 80% of the world’s population uses smartphones, you should also know that 91% of all time people spend on their phones is spent on apps. Mobile applications come with a variety of features, like push notifications, progress tracking, and others that make them very engaging and convenient to use in everyday life. In the eLearning landscape, such apps make it easy for educators to keep learners more engaged and involved in the process.
What’s more, mobile apps are proven to be the most impactful for Millenials and Gen Zs. These two generations make up the biggest part of modern students and the workforce. They are known for having shorter attention spans compared to their predecessors by around 4% and have a propensity for mobile technology. Thus, by bringing eLearning experiences via mobile apps, we can easily engage these generations.
4. Mobile Apps Boost eLearning Productivity by 43%
A recent study focused on eLearning in the workplace showed that learners who use mobile devices demonstrate 43% greater productivity. In eLearning mobile apps, training is provided in short, 2-5-minute blocks. This trick is called microlearning. Desktop eLearning typically delivers material in larger chunks. As a result, learners who use mobile apps tend to complete their courses 45% faster than those who use desktops, and they retain information longer too.
5. 79% of Learners Enjoy Mobile More
Whether we talk about corporate training or other forms of eLearning, studies find that around 70% of online learners feel more motivated and engaged when completing their courses on a smartphone.
There are a few reasons for that. Mobile technologies bring accessibility and flexibility to learning, which enables users to learn on the go. Also, eLearning mobile apps often include features like AR/VR and gamification, which make learning experiences much more exciting. Finally, educational apps create a sense of competition and achievement, which cause a more active dopamine release. As a result, students who learn via mobile apps often feel more motivated to continue learning and do better.
6. 30% of Users Already Learn via Smartphones
The number of mobile educational apps is huge these days, and users love such apps. In 2021, Apple alone reported 470 million quarterly downloads of different educational apps. This hints at the last fact that proves the huge value of mobile apps in eLearning – people are already using such apps on their own. Thus, it is a huge opportunity that just waits to be seized.
Knowing that 30% of mobile users already leverage mobile apps for eLearning, can you imagine how many people will use them when we shift to mobile learning in schools and companies?
Top Features Mobile Apps Bring to eLearning
Discovering the role of mobile apps in eLearning, it’s worth noting that such applications can deliver a number of unique features that are unavailable in other forms of learning.
The key features include:
- Affordability – For independent learners, the use of eLearning mobile apps means access to a wide range of courses and training programs for free or nearly free. For providers of training, mobile apps mean lower budget requirements too.
- Personalization – Although there is a big shift toward personalized learning culture already, mobile apps still provide more opportunities for personalization. Experiences delivered through applications can be tailored to every user and tweaked according to their needs and preferences.
- PLN – Personal Learning Network or PLN is a major trend in educational app development. Such networks enable every learner to build a personal network of peers and mentors, thus, unlocking personalized guidance and support for all.
- Innovative technologies – Lastly, apps provide plenty of space for integrating innovative technologies into eLearning. Modern applications often feature AI, machine learning, VR/AR, gamification, and other technologies that stimulate engagement and create outstanding learning experiences.
The Bottom Line
Being so widespread and trending, mobile apps have huge potential in different industries, including eLearning. Such applications are already used for individual, corporate, and traditional learning purposes. And we assure you that their role will expand with time.