When looking at innovation in education there is a lot of scope in what you focus on. Some recent developments posted on Open Culture about the collaboration between mobile connectivity and education have caught my attention.
Next Fall, Abilene Christian University (ACU) is issuing their freshmen with either an Iphone or an Itouch. These devices will then feature in the students learning and general campus life.
The students can use the Iphone (or Itouch) to perform essential functions around campus. To check balances, see courses, find classes and even answer quizzes.
By using converged mobile devices ACU will be one of the first institutions to embrace this new technology.
Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, ACU provost, said, “This is exciting to me, not only because we’re giving students new tools, but because we are transforming the learning environment. The extensive research that’s been done on campus in the past 10 months has prepared us to launch with freshmen this fall, and research will be ongoing as we expand the program in the future.”
The uses of this technology are almost endless as all students will have round-the-clock access to the internet. It could (and probably will) transform the learning environment at ACU into a far more collaborative experience.
Mobile syndication of information is definitely an area which can change society at large in meaningful ways. I’m wondering though, if there is a space for low cost manufacturing of generic devices whcih maybe don’t have all the bells & whistles of an i-Phone or a High end mobile phone, but allows people to access crucial empowering information.
Kinda like a mobile freedom toaster manufactured in SA. Something to take the OLPC idea to a realistic place.
Thanks for the comment.
I think there is always the toss-up between making a profit and making a difference… As David Pogue said in his talk at TED in 2006; “Keep it Simple” I think that is the only way it can work. If we tone down the gadgets, therefore dropping the price, we can start to make it more accessable
I agree the One Laptop Per Child initiative is a great idea and just hope the implementation is there. It does have great possibilities to influence education in the areas that need it most.