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I have always been very interested in mobile computing. I think it stems from my early years of Franklin Covey daytimers… then the old black and white PDA, then the PocketPC and now my blackberry. I use my blackberry for everything… including watching some movies in the airplane on my way out… so… how is this mobile technology changing the way students interact with information? Let’s see…¹

Notes:

• They have what they call “Value in the Hand” Proposition.
• Engaging students more directly… most students have cell phones… text messaging is supported on all devices… This make me think of a post I wrote a couple of months ago about 8 ways to use Camera Phones in Education.
• Data plans are not being used mostly because of the cost, but text messaging is just easier and faster in most cases…

FACT: In 9995 - 13% of US population had cell phones… by 2006 it is 76%

• Looking for ways to develop 2 way communication on mobile devices for educators!
• A company was formed out of this… Mobile Education LLC²
• The concept for this project was collaborative research!

Standard Phone Technologies:

• WAP - Wireless Application Protocol - Little browsers… I have this on my blackberry… but it works pretty good… once you figure it out.

• Easy to use… web based servers can send it out.
• Inexpensive to develop, but expensive for users…

• SUN Java Wireless Toolkit… but you have to try it on all sorts of different phones to make sure it continues to work… lots of compatibility issues…

Applications at UNCW

• Allows students to subscribe to daily campus events
• Emergency broadcast messages
• Interactive shuttle bus information
• Integration with their CMS (Banner) - Request Grade Information and Notification when Seat becomes Available
• Interactive Movie Schedule

Possible Others?

• Mobile Coupons (when there is a sale)
• Mobile Social Networking (find friends on campus)
• Cafeteria Menu
• SMS in the classroom? Response in classes.

Found this powerpoint with a general search… It looks like it is from an earlier conference, but it is good… Look for the one for this session here.

1. Picture Link[↩]
2. At this point of the presentation Rob goes through a formula for securing approvals for ideas. A lot of what I heard sounded so familiar to me. Lots of ideas, and lots of people saying no. If you are like me it might do you well to download the PowerPoint when it is available and read through those slides. Good stuff. [↩]