Welcome to Mobile Computing
Dean Paul Kreider and Dean Bonnie Smith-Skripps, Dean Phyllis Self
Mobile Computing Task Force Co–Chairs
This first issue of the Mobile Computing Task Force Newsletter is to inform the campus community of the task force’s efforts to prepare and implement mobile computing into the learning environment at Western Illinois University. The task force met four times during the fall semester of 2008 and will continue its work indefinitely—the minutes of the December 10, 2008 meeting are available in this newsletter.
Educating the Net Generation
EDUCAUSE e-Book, 2005
Submitted by Bonnie Smith-Skripps
The Net Generation has grown up with information technology. The aptitudes, attitudes, expectations, and learning styles of Net Gen students reflect the environment in which they were raised—one that is decidedly different from that which existed when faculty and administrators were growing up.
This collection explores the Net Gen and the implications for institutions in areas such as teaching, service, learning space design, faculty development, and curriculum. Contributions by educators and students are included. Professional printing options are available.
What is Mobile Computing?
From Dawn Sweet at IntegrateIT
Mobile computing technologies—wireless or ubiquitous computing technologies— such as wireless access points, laptops, tablet-PC’s, PDA’s, cell phones, Bluetooth enabled devices, and fusion devices are those devices that have the capabilities to offer learning experiences that can effectively engage and educate contemporary learners in a variety of new ways not typically allowed by conventional desktop computers.
There’s no doubt about it, mobile learning is on the rise. Mobile learning, or M-Learning, is learning that happens across locations, or that takes advantage of learning opportunities offered by portable technologies such as cell phones, iPods or PDAs. Mobile learning allows students to access and view instructional content while on the move.
Laptop Initiative and Timeline Department of Broadcasting
In fall 2009, the Department of Broadcasting will begin a laptop program for students enrolled in the freshman-level production course, BC 101 (Introduction to Broadcast Production).
Enrollment in BC 101 is usually incoming freshmen and transfer students majoring or minoring in broadcasting. Students in BC 101 will be required to have a MacBook Pro computer, Adobe Audition and Final Cut Pro Studio software. The department estimates it will take three years for the laptop requirement to be integrated into all production courses. Broadcasting majors and minors who will enter their senior year in 2009 or 2010 will not be required to purchase the computer hardware and software. The department will continue to operate its computer labs, audio and video editing suites, and check out portable equipment.
Imagine Mobile Computing at WIU from a student’s Perspective
Generally available notebook computers with bundled software—together with an expanding range of portable information devices—used by WIU students and faculty would mean that, literally, students and faculty could do the business of higher education in more places and more seamlessly than ever before.
Student note taking and faculty file sharing in Stipes classrooms could be done to complete integrated daily learning packages.
Except for those designed for special areas of study, computer labs would disappear since students could carry their computers to places that work the best in their daily campus routine—perhaps between classes in Horrabin or the Rec Center.
(Read More)
Contact: mobilecomputing@wiu.edu
If you need the content displayed on this website in an alternative format,
please contact Khaing Saw at KK-Saw@wiu.edu or call 309-298-2619.