Handheld and Mobile Computing

Tablet PCs used in undergraduate field courses in archaeology and ecology have transformed the way we teach field-mapping and data-collection concepts. Curriculum redesign and assessment strategies were applied to two unique classes, introducing tablet PCs, an emerging mobile technology, with the goal of improving how spatial data are handled, viewed, and collected.

Electronic response systems and web-based educational software systems use response pads, PDAs, laptops, and tablet PCs to encourage active learning. This overview will describe available mobile and wireless technologies; identify their capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses; and offer examples of how they are used to enhance and assess student engagement and learning.

The annual Horizon Report, a joint publication of the NMC and the ELI, highlights new technologies for teaching, learning, and creative expression. This session will review the research and process behind the report. The 2008 Horizon Report and its findings will be officially released at this session.

Social learning enhances knowledge when students create learning environments by making connections among their peers and community. Educators struggle to develop innovative teaching strategies to meet the expectations of digital natives who are accustomed to this social environment. This presentation will describe how faculty at Montclair State University foster social learning using mobile technology.

E-text readers designed for use in higher education will reduce textbook pricing and address environmental concerns.

The New Media Consortium (NMC) and the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI) jointly produced Horizon Report describes six areas of emerging technology that will have significant impact on higher education within three adoption horizons over the next one to five years. The 2008 report focuses on the following topics;

• Grassroots Video
• Collaboration Webs
• Mobile Broadband
• Data Mashups
• Collective Intelligence
• Social Operating Systems

What information technologies are used by undergraduates? How does IT contribute to their academic experiences and learning? What has changed since 2005? ECAR presents key findings from the fourth annual survey of undergraduates, with responses from 27,846 students at 103 higher education institutions. Plans for 2008 will also be discussed.

Communications technology can help differentiate your campus not only in serving current students but also in creating a sense of life-long community so that generation after generation of families keep coming back. Hear from one campus using intelligent communications today to make a difference.