Fellowships awarded for mLearning at ACU; next step taken in converged media initiative

Abilene Christian University continues to make mobile learning a priority for 21st century education by recently naming five faculty members to the ACU Mobile Learning Fellowship. These Fellows will dedicate extensive time researching additional uses of Apple's iPhone and iPod touch for the classroom of the future.

"We are very excited about the appointment of these Fellows," said George Saltsman, director of the Adams Center for Learning and Teaching at ACU. "Each of these researchers will look at effectiveness data related to teaching, learning or general adoption of the Apple iPhone and iPod touch in the classroom."

The new Fellows include: Dr. Brian Burton, assistant professor of information technology; Dr. Brad Crisp, assistant professor of management sciences; Dr. Rob Byrd, visiting associate professor in the school of information technology; Cynthia Powell, instructor of chemistry and biochemistry; and Dr. Matt Dodd, assistant director of the ACU Center for Conflict Resolution.

The goals of the Fellow positions are to generate research activities that examine the use of converged media devices to extend or enhance student learning, to lead to more engaged student learning and to enhance or improve the campus community or interactions. The program provides funding and assistance related to the research and deployment of the devices in higher education.

"Since we are the first university to deploy converged mobile devices, the research opportunities are almost limitless," said Saltsman. "We are building upon decades of research from other universities that have deployed programs involving one-to-one computing, iPods, mobile phones, and/or classroom interaction systems in academically focused ways."

Along with the five Fellows, 150 faculty members will also be using the devices in and out of their classrooms. In late May, all faculty members were asked for their voluntary involvement with using the devices in their classrooms. One hundred and fifty faculty responded and will include the devices in their teaching, beginning this fall.

"We are embracing a culture change that already exists in higher education," said Kevin Roberts, chief information officer for ACU. "More than 98 percent of our students arrive on campus with cell phones already. Abilene Christian will lead the charge in the integration of a tool that students already feel comfortable with to enhance their education."

Recently, ACU was selected by peer institutions as the leader in the Mobile Broadband category in the 2008 Horizon Report highlighting key emerging technologies.

"Our peers are telling us that we are one of the preeminent leaders in mobile learning," said Saltsman. "We continue to be featured in publications and be presenters at conferences of innovation and higher education."

According to Roberts, ACU is not merely providing cutting-edge technology tools to incoming students, but providing applications to enhance learning. "We are committed to continuing research about how technology can benefit learning and better prepare our students for the future," he said.

For more information about mLearning at ACU, visit www.acu.edu/connected.

If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.