The following article is an updated version of an article that appeared in the D&S Learning, Teaching and Student Experience online newsletter in June 2011.

SHUgo

During 2011 the University launched SHUgo, its first step into having an institutional approach to engaging with students through their mobile phones. SHUgo is a mobile application that connects students with campus maps, email and University news directly in their mobile phones. Importantly, students can access their Blackboard sites and learning materials through SHUgo as well.

Why mobile?
The growth of smartphones (phones with more advanced features like web browsing, touch-screens and Wi-Fi connectivity) such as the iPhone, Blackberry and Android has been tremendous. A 2010 US study of the use of technology among undergraduates found that around 60% of students had a smartphone. In a shuspace survey this autumn, 84% of respondents reported having one of the three main types of smartphones, and 10% had tablets.  While this number is probably slightly higher than the actual smartphone ownership across all students, it is easy to see that mobile phones have become an important part of our students’ lives.

Modern smartphones can use Wi-Fi and mobile networks, meaning students are almost always connected, even when on placements or public transportation. This means students have access to information when they need it. Some information is enhanced through the use of a mobile phone, such as a campus map that can tell you where you are currently and then direct you to your next destination. Contact details like phone numbers and email addresses can be utilised immediately and stored in the mobile phones themselves. Possibilities exist for areas like timetabling, where last minute changes are hard to communicate to students, particularly those commuting to the University.

What does it mean for teaching?
There has been some discussion among lecturers about the use of mobile phones in the classroom, with some lecturers suggesting they should be banned altogether. Of course, having loud phone calls or constant beeping sounds during classes or meetings is disruptive and inappropriate. However, smartphones are not just tools for communicating: they are essentially handheld computers and multimedia devices. Instead of banning mobile phones, we want to promote their use as learning tools. They can be used to find information, answer quizzes, record audio and video and share information with classmates. These are positive features which could be taken advantage of during classroom teaching, as well as in learning activities happening outside of the classroom.

What can I do?
We’re designing some scenarios around using mobiles for learning and teaching that we will disseminate shortly. These scenarios are designed to help provide ideas for staff interested in exploring the use of mobile devices in the curriculum. We’ll also be running some sessions around use of mobiles in the future.

We are interested in capturing stories of good practice in using mobiles for teaching and learning. If you have an idea that you’ve done or would like to try then please contact your faculty e-learning contact. Someone will meet with you to discuss your idea and how to make it a reality and share that practice.