001 OVERVIEW: Ultramobile Computing for Research, Teaching, Learning

Today, many technologies are converging and becoming integrated into a single handheld device: The “smart phone”, PDA or portable media player is now multi-functional: It may also be a camera, camcorder, phone, Internet browser, GPS device, video player, and even an office-productivity computer.

For educational purposes, mobile computing means one’s learning tools are no longer confined to the classroom or even to the desk. It literally means that one has access to technology-based learning tools and resources anywhere and anytime. For example, the audio player function on mobile devices means that one can reviewing course materials while doing other activities away from one’s desk: e.g. in a doctor’s waiting room, while exercising, commuting or doing laundry.

Powerpoint presentations, video documentaries and other graphic-based information may also be accessed on-demand as needed on the mobile device, not just when the presentations are delivered in the classroom or broadcast on television.

For field-based study and research, including international study trip, the student can use their mobile device as a camcorder to record their observations or as a digital still camera to photograph and document their experiences. The student’s videos, photos and note-taking can be coordinated with articles and blogs accessed though the web, and with the GPS based maps and data on the device.