Making higher ed mobile: From textbooks to touchscreens

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• November 19, 2024

Insight summary

Mobile technology is making it easier for students to access learning materials, communicate with professors, and manage their academic progress from anywhere. This shift is also reshaping the labor market, with a growing demand for app developers and IT professionals to support mobile-friendly platforms. However, governments may need to invest in infrastructure and policies to ensure equal access to mobile learning, particularly in underserved areas.

Making higher ed mobile context

Mobile applications have become integral to higher education, transforming how institutions engage with students, faculty, and parents. A 2024 report by ComScore revealed that mobile devices account for over 50 percent of all digital media usage. Many universities have recognized the role of mobile technology in reaching prospective students, as a poor mobile experience can deter interest. For example, prospective students browse university websites during casual moments, using their smartphones to explore programs, faculty, and alumni success stories. With mobile-first designs becoming essential, institutions are rethinking their digital strategies to cater to an increasingly mobile-centric audience.

In addition to recruitment, mobile technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the student learning experience. Many universities have adopted mobile-friendly learning management systems and student portals that allow learners to access course materials, communicate with professors, and collaborate with peers seamlessly. Mobile learning can improve student retention and participation by enabling flexible, on-the-go access to resources. For example, Purdue University developed an interactive mobile app, Hotseat, which allows real-time feedback and engagement during lessons. 

Recent developments in mobile technology also cater to accessibility and inclusivity. Apple's iOS devices, for example, are known for their advanced accessibility features, ensuring that students with disabilities can easily navigate digital platforms. These technologies, along with bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, have made higher education more inclusive, allowing students with varying needs to participate fully in academic life. Furthermore, mobile payment solutions such as Yoyo Wallet have facilitated seamless campus transactions, while mobile safety apps like MyForce Campus Interface are enhancing campus security. 

Disruptive impact

As more universities offer mobile-friendly access to learning materials, students may find it easier to balance work and school, accessing assignments or lectures from anywhere. However, this convenience may lead to more distractions, as students could be tempted to multitask during important academic activities. Additionally, the expectation of constant availability may increase stress, as students feel pressure to respond quickly to academic updates. Parents, too, may have more access to their children's educational progress, which could lead to a more involved but potentially overbearing role in their education.

Companies developing mobile applications for universities may find a growing market for platforms that enhance learning and engagement. However, businesses also face the pressure of maintaining security and privacy in mobile applications, especially when dealing with sensitive student data. Firms offering mobile payment solutions or campus safety apps may need to continuously innovate to meet growing demands for convenience and security. Furthermore, educational institutions might push for partnerships with tech firms to create custom apps, adding pressure on developers to meet unique institutional requirements.

Meanwhile, governments may need to invest in expanding internet infrastructure in rural and underserved areas, ensuring that all students can benefit from mobile learning. Policies around data privacy may also need to evolve as more personal and educational information is stored on mobile platforms. Additionally, governments may consider incentivizing universities to prioritize mobile accessibility, which can help improve academic outcomes. Globally, countries may look to collaborate on setting international standards for mobile education, ensuring consistency in quality and access across borders.

Implications of making higher ed mobile

Wider implications of making higher ed mobile may include: 

• Universities offering mobile-only degree programs, leading to wider access for non-traditional students and reshaping the demographic makeup of higher education.
• Increased mobile-based learning creating a digital divide between students with reliable internet access and those in underserved areas, prompting governments to invest in broadband infrastructure.
• Rising demand for mobile app developers and IT professionals in education, shifting labor markets toward more tech-driven roles in higher education support services.
• Reduced physical textbooks, decreasing environmental waste and lowering costs for students.
• A shift in political focus toward data privacy laws, prompting governments to reevaluate existing regulations for student data security.
• The shift toward mobile learning making it easier for students to pursue remote or hybrid work during their studies, altering how future labor markets perceive work-life balance.
• Increased mobile learning accessibility reducing the need for large campus facilities, affecting real estate investments in university towns and changing local economies.
• Mobile applications making it easier for international students to access education remotely, leading to a more globalized student population and the potential for cross-cultural collaboration.
• Governments offering financial incentives to educational institutions that prioritize mobile learning, driving a political push for digital transformation in public universities.
• The development of new energy-efficient mobile devices, potentially reducing the environmental impact of large tech companies.

Questions to consider

• How could increased access to education through mobile apps impact job opportunities in your industry?
• How might mobile-based education affect the social connections and interactions of students on campus?