M O B I L E A P P S


University goes mobile with Blackboard


The UniversiTy of Liverpool


has selected BlackboardMobile™ Central and BlackboardMobile™ Learn, mobile applications that


bring the campus experience and two-way teaching and learning to smartphones and other web-enabled devices. The initiative will help the institution further enhance the student experience and delivermore personalized learning. The Blackboard Mobile Central


application enables on-demand access to vital campus information, enabling users to navigate interactive campus maps, access course catalogues, event calendars and news and use a directory to call or email instructors and classmates directly from the app. The Blackboard Mobile Learn solution allows students and faculty to access and upload course content, check grades and assignments, create threaded discussion posts, email their classmates and instructors, comment on blogs and more. “We took an in-depth look at


the market and no other vendor inspired the same degree of confidence as the team from BlackboardMobile,” said Jake Gannon, head of applications, systems and services at the University of Liverpool. “Blackboard offers great value as it provides the resource and capability to offer mobile functionality across a wide range of mobile devices and platforms. It simply wouldn’t be an option to build a team to do this in-house.” According to the most recent


annual student survey, approximately 67%of theUniversity of Liverpool’s students arrived on campus with a smartphone or web-enabled device. In order to meet growing demand from students for mobile access to their virtual learning environment (VLE), Blackboard Learn, the University of Liverpool partnered with the BlackboardMobile team to provide instant access to the


Connectmobile app voted a success as students


scramble for university places


UCAS ConneCtmobile phone app was voted a success asAlevel students scrambled for university places this year to beat the huge fee hike in 2012. The UCAS Connect


website (www.ucasconnect. com) was re-launched in August as a one-stop-shop for anyone thinking about joining higher education. After notching up more


VLE without undergoing a costly and time-intensive integration process. The university has deployed its


Blackboard Mobile Central app this summer, which will be specially branded for the institution. In addition to the solution’s pre-built features, the institution will also make use of BlackboardMobile’s software development kit (SDK) to develop its own bespokemodules for the app. “In our everyday lives we’re all


becoming familiar with performing a wide array of tasks directly from our mobiles,” continues Gannon. “Blackboard has given us the ability to respond positively and proactively to our students’ needs, which benefits the diversification of our brand and enhances the quality of our reputation.” “We’re excited to be working


with the University of Liverpool in this initiative, and they’re really leveraging the mobile opportunity


Technology in Education No.185 September 2011 44


functionality of Blackboard Mobile Central to address


with a vision for how to deliver course information and campus services,” said Kayvon Beypour, VP, BlackboardMobile. “We’re looking forward to seeing how they use our SDK to extend the


specific needs and requirements.” Blackboard Mobile Central is


available in native applications forAndroid™, BlackBerry®, webOS™ and iOS for the iPhone® and iPod touch® and available in a mobileWeb version to support a broader range of browser-enabled devices. BlackboardMobile Learn is available in native applications forAndroid™, BlackBerry®, webOS™ and iOS for the iPhone®, iPod touch® and iPad™.After being enabled by an institution, the applications are free and can be downloaded from smartphone app stores.


Circle No.E28


than 18,000 visitors across 100 different countries and territories, the service is now accessible via a free app on Android,Apple and Nokia phones. Kirstie Buchanan, of


Rippleffect, who developed the app, said it offered applicants ‘UCAS in their pockets’. The app provides top tips,


frequently asked questions and video guides, as well as access to UCAS’ interactive search tool.Anyone with a question about university or college can type it in and get relevant answers. Installing Connect on your


phone also gives access to UCAS’Twitter account and Facebook page, where you can read real-time answers


from expert advisers. UCAS Connect was


re-launched in the build up to confirmation and clearing – usually known as ‘results day’ – onAugust 18.


Circle No.E29 Check out our website: www.technology-in-education.co.uk


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