Conclusion

In this literature review paper, we presented an impartial analysis of the reality which is noticeable today in almost all education contexts concerning the application of mobile devices in learning and teaching. The literature review first traverses through the benefits that mobile learning has brought to learners and educators. It is noted by several authors that mobile learning permits flexible learning in that the learners can learn remotely at any time. The educators as well can offer teaching instructions from any location at any time. The advantage of this flexibility is that the needs of many learners are catered for. For instance, nowadays via mobile devices, the disabled learners and learners from marginalized areas have equal learning opportunity as their counterparts. They can access the same learning materials and learn at their own pace depending on their ability to crack and comprehend concepts. Thusly, we can argue that mobile learning has leveled the learning field for all learners.

Albeit the benefits associated with mobile learning, some challenges are linked with the use of mobile devices in learning. A key challenge as identified by many researchers is multitasking behavior. It is enumerated in some studies that most of the mobile devices such as laptops and tablets have certain features which interrupt normal learning. Instant messages and pop-ups have been identified to affect the concentration of learners. These distractors make learners spend more time grasping concepts which they could have taken a relativelyshorter period to understand. There is also the challenge of digital literacy or digital divide or the digital gap. In some cases, the educators are not on the same level as their students on digital literacy. Therefore, they cannot use the latest technologies to prepare or design their teaching materials or teaching styles in a manner that can result in the greatest benefit to all. Some learners, in particular, those in developing nations may not access some learning technologies or programs, and this makes them lie behind when it comes to using technology in learning.

Professional development for educators is required in order to assist them to employ effectively mobile technology in teaching. If the educator will receive the necessary knowledge concerning the use of different technologies in teaching, they can pass the same knowledge to students, and the result will be improved performance of learners in different aspects. About the issue of learners encountering difficulties in adapting the use of higher-order thinking and self-direction, it is recommended that the educators should design their teaching instructions in a manner that makes it easy for learners to follow through.