Mobile Computing Laboratory

Norb J Thomes

Winona State University


Abstract

Mobile computing has become mainstream. Already the go-to devices in many K−12 districts, tablets and phones are also beginning to make an educational impact in higher education. Tablets are used to redefine how data are visualized, promote collaborative work, consume and create educational materials, engage students in more interactive processes, and build 21st-century skills. There is a need, however, that emerges from this rapidly changing technology: Faculty need a place to explore new mobile-computing ideas before taking them into their classes. The intention of the Mobile-Computing Laboratory is to create a center for promoting the innovative, academic applications of mobile devices where faculty and staff systemwide can bring mobile-computing ideas for development and testing.