It’s been reported that The Abu Dhabi University (United Arab Emirates) is planning to launch a mobile education program powered by Etisalat in collaboration with Blackboard Inc. which will allow BlackBerry smartphones to access all course materials and topic updates whenever and wherever they are. The push is for a more tech savvy curriculum which will consist of 3 classes and 75 students.
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Each student will be provided with the latest BlackBerry Smartphone, via BlackBerry UAE , and free data from Etisalat. The goal is to get students to access documents in multiple formats, read announcements, create discussion threads and content items and upload media. According to the report, “the university aims to increase the level of communication and engagement between the teachers and students, ensuring a more timely flow of information and class lectures.”
“We are currently in a mobile generation where everyone is expected to be in contact anytime, anywhere. By implementing this programme, we can take advantage of the mobile culture by enabling students and teachers to gain instant access to their courses and content materials using their handheld devices,” said James Mackin, provost of Abu Dhabi University.
“This will negate students’ need to have access to a computer allowing our faculty to develop more innovative teaching techniques and will give the students an opportunity to be engaged in the learning process regardless of physical location,” he said.
When its all said and done, the service will be fully implemented across the entire university by September. It would be great for my University, here at Texas A&M to pick up one something like this. I’d be the first to register!
Via economictimes.indiatimes