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The Mobile Computing Initiative in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at North Carolina State University (NCSU) is based on the College's desire to transition students from their high school life to the college experience and to increase student learning and productivity. The project is grounded in the University's Learning in a Technology Rich Environment (LITRE) action initiatives. Specifically, through its existing technology initiatives and through mobile computing projects, CALS: 1) ensures that new students are prepared to meet technology-use expectations; 2) integrates appropriate technology-enhanced learning with the core academic activities of the university; and 3) ensures that graduates leave the university with appropriate technological proficiency. Mobile computing tools serve these goals well, as most are customized with software containing organization, productivity, and learning applications for faculty, staff, and students. | |
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Why Mobile Computing?
We are at the beginning of a major convergence of mobile computing technologies. Students can now purchase cell phones which are capable of providing three major mobile services: bluetooth access to wireless personal area networks (printers, wireless keyboards); WiFi access to local area networks (Web, data); and cellular access wide area networks (voice). In addition, increasing numbers of students come to campus today with MP3 players that can sync audio data from the Web via "podcasting," and wireless laptops or handhelds that can access e-mail and the Web in non-traditional spaces. It is appropriate and important for CALS to study academic and administrative applications of such commonly held student tools, and to build the necessary infrastructure to leverage these as part of its overall technology strategy. For the latest mobile computing trends, visit: Brighthand, PDAntic, PDA Trends, or Rick Cooper. |
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