Week 8

Mobile devices:

Mobile devices can also be called as handheld devices. A Handheld device (also known as handheld computer or simply handheld) is a pocket-sized computing device, typically utilising a small visual display screen for user output and a miniaturised keyboard for user input. In the case of the personal digital assistant (PDA), the input and output are combined into a touch-screen interface. Along with mobile computing devices such as laptops and smartphones, PDAs are becoming increasingly popular amongst those who require the assistance and convenience of a conventional computer, in environments where carrying one would not be practicable (Wikipedia, 2007). The two major categories are mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) (Livingston, 2004).

At Drexel University, students who've registered their mobile devices with DrexelOne Mobile can have relevant personal announcements pushed out to them automatically, without having to browse to find the information. Because the student information system can access the personal announcements capability of the mobile portal, students can get their grades as soon as they're posted, learn of last-minute classroom changes, get updates to their schedules, and find out about holds placed on their records (e.g., for late tuition payments). These capabilities are distinct advantages of mobile access, because they bring information to users when and where they need them, rather than requiring the users to wait until they're back at their primary desktops (Microsoft, 2004).

The university can use the announcements feature to disseminate news to the entire campus community easily and quickly. And the headline news service is updated every 10 minutes with the latest sports, entertainment, and general news. The solution includes a searchable university phone directory that operates phonetically, so users don't need to know correct spellings and password-protected access to personalized information (Microsoft, 2004).

In addition to voice, most Web-enabled phones have messaging capability. This includes text messaging, the ability to send a short store and forward text message to another phone (Livingston, 2004).

Monash University, Australia uses mobile services extensively especially the SMS. Besides using SMS for notifying students about results and lecture timetable, it is working to develop SMS services for Monash Library Notification. The project will build an SMS delivery mechanism for the library to notify patrons of book dues and outstanding fines. Similar to the existing email notification of book dues and fines, the SMS system will ensure notification reaches patrons immediately without requiring patrons to have internet access. Using existing mobile pervasive technology, the library can improve its services by being able to reach out to patrons anytime and anywhere (Monash University, 2005).

References

Livingston, A. (2004), Smartphones and Other Mobile Devices: The Swiss Army Knives of the 21st Century, Educause Quarterly, Vol. 27, Issue. 2, viewed 20th January, 2007
http://www.educause.edu/apps/eq/eqm04/eqm0425.asp

Microsoft, 2004, 'Case Study', Drexel University, last updated 20th May 2004, viewed 20th January, 2007
http://www.microsoft.com/education/drexeluniversity.mspx

Monash University, 2005, Library SMS Notification Service, Viewed 20th January, 2007
http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/promotion/coolcampus/projects/librarysms/index.html

Wikipedia, 2007, Handheld Device, last modified, 11th January 2007, viewed 20th January, 2007
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_device