First mobile learning conference draws hundreds of educators to ACU

Mobile learning experts from universities, colleges and K-12 institutions around the world gathered at Abilene Christian University to share and learn about best practices in this emerging field Feb. 27 at the ConnectEd Summit.

Approximately 400 faculty, information technology professionals, developers and administrators from more than 50 institutions, representing 32 states and eight countries, attended ConnectEd Summit, the first collaborative workshop focusing on integrating iPhone and iPod touch into coordinated mobile-learning programs at educational institutions.

ACU has committed itself to exploring how mobile technology can shape the way society lives, works and learns. In August, ACU changed the face of higher education by being the first institution to announce a university-wide deployment of iPhone and iPod touch devices beginning with all incoming freshmen.

"The ConnectEd Summit was a natural outgrowth of our exploration of mobile learning," said Dr. Wiliam Rankin, director of educational innovation. "We wanted to provide a forum where people from around the country--and around the world--could come together to share ideas, network, and learn from one another. We were caught a little off-guard by how many people wanted to come and talk about the way mobility is transforming our classrooms and schools."

Along with representatives from universities in several countries, an international collection of technology leaders addressed the 400 participants at the Summit, and representatives from key vendors such as Apple, AT&T, Alcatel-Lucent and Turning Technologies also participated.

"Having many of the leaders of mobile learning in the same place at the same time bought meaningful dialogue and stimulating conversations, said George Saltsman, director of the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning and director of educational technology. "The mix of educators and corporate leaders was designed to provide those seeking to deploy mobile learning with the contacts needed to be successful. The corporate partnerships we forged have been invaluable."

In 2006, the ACU LINK team, a technology advisory team made up of faculty, administrators and campus technologists, had a vision of a leading-edge 21st-century educational community. Their proposed ideas were the basis for the Connected vision, a first-of-its-kind initiative in which every student received an iPhone or iPod touch as a new platform for active learning. ACU's goal was to create a learning environment without boundaries.

To learn more about ACU's Mobile Learning Initiative, visit www.acu.edu/connected or watch the Mobile Learning video.

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.