University explores mobile technology
The level of interest in mobile computing and its growing
application and uptake in higher education is increasing |
Further securing its reputation as a leading provider of distance education, the University recently held an Apple University Consortium (AUC) seminar addressing the use of portable internet work operating systems (iOS) in education.
The highly successful Apple Mobility in Education Seminar was held at the Toowoomba campus on October 27, and was attended by more than 70 University staff, with the Springfield and Fraser Coast campuses connecting via video conference.
The event was initiated and organised by the Faculty of Business’ Learning and Teaching Committee. Dr Michael Lane (USQ Senior Lecturer in Information Systems) spearheaded the seminar and said the high number of staff who attended indicates the level of interest in mobile computing and its growing application and uptake in higher education.
'This seminar demonstrated the use of iPhones, iPads and iTunes U in delivering highly interactive educational content in a pedagogically sound manner,' Dr Lane said.
Dr Lane also said the Faculty of Business were currently running a project evaluating the benefits of using iPads in the learning and teaching environment.
'This project will investigate the educational application of iPads and selected apps from three main perspectives- students, academic staff and three undergraduate on-campus business students.
'This project will provide an informed understanding of usefulness and fit for purpose of iPads and selected educational apps from multiple perspectives.
'This will benefit USQ and its students and staff as the convergence of mobile and touch computing represents a paradigm shift in the delivery of courses and content in a much more persuasive and interactive manner. It needs to be adopted in an informed manner in order to provide positive teaching and learning outcomes for USQ staff and students.'
USQ’s senior audio producer Jason Myatt is one of USQ’s AUC representatives, and said with the major growth in the global use of and interest in iOS devices, such as iPods, iPads and iPhones, it is necessary for USQ to stay abreast of the changes in this technology.
'It seems the capabilities of mobile technologies are moving ahead in leaps and bounds. It was only six short years ago we moved from study materials on cassette tape - now we're striving to keep up with distribution of audio and video recordings plus print materials, to devices from iPod to iPad to Android mobile phones and tablets,' Jason said.
Jason said devices such as iPads have a wide variety of capabilities that present education providers with a number of exciting opportunities.
'From a student perspective, a device like an iPad can not only store their whole study and course materials including text books, but they can also use it to take notes in lectures, search the library catalogue, connect socially, and the list continues.
From an academic point of view, the iPad can be used for assignment marking, presentation in lectures, study material preparation and even accessing StudyDesk and quickly communicating with students.'
Continuing the theme of Mobility in Education, later this month the AUC will be holding CreateWorld 2010, a three day performance, presentation, and technical development event, specifically for higher-education academic and technical staff in the digital arts disciplines.
The conference will feature a wide range of academic and technical presenters from the university and industry sectors as well as hands-on technical workshops. There will be a range of keynotes and the very popular panel sessions and hypotheticals.
Full details about the conference including; agenda, keynote speakers, panel discussions, performances, sessions, and registration are now available.
Contact Details:Connie-Louise Rego,
USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977, 0400 025 429