COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland will launch a pilot study this fall to test whether handheld devices like the iPhone - loaded with advanced technology - can improve the educational experience of students. "We want to give students involved in this project an opportunity to gain experience integrating new technology into their studies," says University Provost Nariman Farvardin. "We want to know if the devices can make a difference."
(Media-Newswire.com) - COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland will launch a pilot study this fall to test whether handheld devices like the iPhone - loaded with advanced technology - can improve the educational experience of students. "We want to give students involved in this project an opportunity to gain experience integrating new technology into their studies," says University Provost Nariman Farvardin. "We want to know if the devices can make a difference."
150 new students have been selected to receive their choice of either an iPhone or iPod Touch device during move-in August 28 and 29. The pilot test - part of the university's Mobility Initiative - positions Maryland as a national leader in exploring the use of mobile technology for teaching and learning - with the pilot utilizing technology from Apple and ATT.
"This pilot test is a wonderful opportunity for us to see how equipping students with advanced mobile devices will improve their educational experience," says Jeffrey Huskamp, University of Maryland vice president and chief information officer.
"Students are increasingly tech-savvy, mobile technology is advancing rapidly and a world class research university should be prepared to exploit the educational possibilities," Huskamp adds. "If the technology will help make a large university smaller and more accessible, that's important. If it can enhance learning, then we need to find out."
"We've done extensive planning so that the technology we give our students will help enrich their college experience," says Barbara Gill, University of Maryland director of admissions. "The technology has a great many possibilities, and we're much more likely to discover them if we go about this in a systematic way."
Planning for the initiative began at Maryland a year ago, and is being sponsored by the Provost's office. Maryland's Admissions Office and the Office of Information Technology are spearheading the initiative through a steering committee made up of faculty, staff and student representatives from across campus. Committee members say the pilot program is designed to answer a number of questions:
Can professors use mobile technology to enhance the classroom learning experience in some settings, rather than seeing it as a potential distraction? Can ubiquitous connectivity promote interaction between faculty and students? Can an enhanced mobile handheld device help students to manage their time and navigate the campus ( physical and administrative environments )? Can the devices be equipped to enhance the personal safety of students? Associate Psychology Prof. Kent Norman is a member of the Mobility Initiative Steering Committee. He says the concept of learning "anytime, anywhere" is becoming a reality and handheld devices like the iPhone and iPod Touch can make a difference. "The Mobility Initiative will provide students with a unique way to access campus resources and course materials and to communicate with others. If nothing else, it will at least prepare students for the world of mobile computing in which they will life and work when they graduate. "
Devices and Software
The participating students have an option to receive an iPod Touch or an iPhone 3G. If they pick the iPhone, they'll be responsible for the monthly service fees. The university will provide user support. Based on the outcome of the pilot test, other mobile platform models may be offered in the future.
"Maryland and other research universities could effectively work together as a consortium to develop applications that are targeted to higher education," Huskamp says. "This would avoid duplication of effort and assure quality."
The devices will come pre-loaded with a series of relevant applications and others will be added as they become available. Among the initial features bundled on the devices:
"Clicker" software allowing students to provide feedback during lectures; Access to ELMS course management software that puts quizzes, assignments and other course materials online; Access to online class schedules and other campus information through the university portal; See a complete list of installed - and planned - software tools for the pilot program. Experimentation and Assessment
Over the semester, Maryland students will take part in a series of faculty-led meetings to test the integration of the device in classroom-like settings. Participants also will brainstorm ideas to identify additional classroom uses, as well as assess how well the devices are serving them both educationally and socially.
For example, will the mobility of enhanced handheld devices, compared to bulkier laptops, encourage students to call up course work and study while waiting for a bus? Will student/faculty communication increase?
The campus-wide stearing committee will assess the success of the pilot project and what value it's brought to the academic experience of students and faculty.
"We have an opportunity," says Provost Farvardin, "to develop a tool that can have an impact at Maryland. Students are embracing this technology and the university is intent on using it to improve their educational experience here on campus."
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Ottalini University of Maryland Communications 301-405-4076 ( office ) 301-257-0073 ( cell ) dottalin@umd.edu
Lee Tune University of Maryland Communications 301-405-4679 ltune@umd.edu
Phyllis Dickerson Johnson Director, Communications Office of Information Technology 301-405-4491 phyllis@umd.edu
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