Ubiquitous Learning or Learning is a blend of m-learning and e-learning, which generally implies learning at your own pace. You don't have any restrictions as you can learn at any time or anywhere, whether it's a coffee house or picnic. Technological innovations have made it possible for anyone to continue learning without needing books or a library. Everything you need is now at your fingertips. The ease of access to digital information also contributes to why humans forget the importance of libraries and schools. Advantages and Disadvantages of U Learning scale this process and weigh its pros and cons.
As the name suggests, ubiquitous learning is the learning process free from time or place-specific limitations. Whenever you have time, you make the most of it and gather knowledge from whatever sources are available. A Smartphone/tablet or even notes are all you need to access complete information available on the internet or off the grid. There are many advantages of U Learning, some are discussed here.
The world has shifted to online or E-learning during the Covid-19 pandemic, U Learning also became one of the learning preferences for many students. Many universities also offer distance learning programs for different courses. You can learn and complete your degree in the comfort of your home without having to commute or relocate. There is internet-enabled technology to do the rest of your job.
You don't need to commute to your college every day to walk to the lecture room and attend the classes among the others. You are not bound to school/college learning and dedicate 7 to 5 hours. If the attendance doesn't affect your performance, why should you not take such advantage of U Learning?
Ubiquitous Learning not only gives you the freedom to study or work at home, but it also lets you stay mobile without letting you hamper your learning process. For example, if you are a travel enthusiast getting access to knowledge can both be helpful, and you can utilize the same expertise to move ahead in the career you aspire.
The amount of information available in u learning method is unlimited as information is available on various topics on the web and in the libraries. You can identify and search for information per your need, and the internet will take care of the rest.
In addition, you can find research papers, thesis, and even academic works done by other renowned scholars, which could help you understand concepts. Plenty of knowledge and research-based studies are definitely some benefits of Ubiquitous learning to enjoy.
Since you can learn about different things, you can access information related to current topics. What is happening in your country and the world is shared through Digital News media and Social Media these days. Staying online, you can connect to your loved ones and fetch the updated details and stay in trend.
Even though the benefits of U learning seem to outweigh the possible limitations, there are a few things to consider about the next-gen learning method. Everyone has a right to education by whatever means, and modernization has an immense role in the learning process. The same factor brings about the disadvantages of U learning technique.
With more and more websites rendering similar information, it's hard to point its actual source. Moreover, manuscripts and thesis get modified with time, and that causes the biggest trouble. Nobody knows its genuineness as they don't have the slightest idea of where particular information originated.
You can't conclude about the trustworthiness of a piece of information unless it's handwritten or published by a leading organization with authentic studies and evidence.
Even when the internet is the biggest library, one can imagine it still doesn't have complete information on every topic. The web falls short on providing every little detail about a particular topic or subject, which will discourage you somewhat. But, on the other hand, Libraries are the ultimate place you need to head to get adequate knowledge.
Practical knowledge not boosts your chances in terms of career but also hone your skills. This is why lab practice is compulsory at High schools and Colleges. The internet and Books may make you theoretically sound, but to learn hands-on skills and apply your studies in a work environment, you will have to learn it all in real-time.
Having no restrictions mean you are free to choose the time to study. When you were a child, you must have had experienced situations when you didn't want to go to school, but your parents made you do it. It's for your good, after all.
Ubiquitous learning gives a sense of freedom that many fail to leverage. There are plenty of distractions in and around the house to draw your attention. Be it your favourite Topic; you will have difficulty focusing on it. You may also lose interest in it if you fail to cope up.
The conventional learning space involves many students discussing things and deriving conclusions. The brainstorm helps you maintain a studious atmosphere and competitiveness around you. Plus, there are friends to teachers to assist you in case of a problem. Lacking all these factors contributes majorly to the disadvantages of U learning technique.
Conclusion on Pros and Cons of Ubiquitous Learning
It is not possible to judge the uniqueness of the Ubiquitous Learning process. However, for anyone not having access to knowledge years ago, they must have experienced numerous benefits of U learning by now. As far as the limitations are concerned, they are manageable.
The term u-learning has a more extensive meaning: it refers to any learning that takes place anywhere and at any time. The word's definition refers to any learning environment that enables mobile learning devices to access educational and training content via wireless networks from anywhere and at any time.
The beauty of Ubiquitous learning is that students can be wherever they want. Unlike prior efforts to use technology in education, learners are not restricted to a specific location.
Ubiquitous learning environments allow students to have seamless and context-aware learning experiences from any location, at any time. They also help consumers link authentic and digital education resources for a more customized experience.
Ubiquitous computing (or ubicomp) is a term in software engineering, hardware engineering, and computer science that refers to the idea of making computing appear anytime and everywhere. In contrast to desktop computing, ubiquitous computing may be done using any device, at any time and in any format.
Due to cost and time constraints, the maximum reach of one particular knowledge domain is limited.
