Sharing #1: Facilitating a Learning Trail Activity with 'free' apps and open source tools - A Case Study

Presenters: Lim Ee-Lon, Rickson Chua & Wang Weichuan
Ngee Ann Polytechnic

Synopsis:
In this presentation, we will be sharing our experience in the selection, adaptation and use of ‘free’ apps and open source tools to support the delivery of an interactive, self-paced learning trail activity. As part of this ''amazing-race-style'' activity, participants were engaged to visit a series of checkpoints on campus, complete specific tasks, unlock hints and decipher clues to next steps with use of their mobile devices and technologies such as Quick Response (QR), Augmented Reality (AR) image recognition, Geo-location-based (GPS) content delivery, Instant Messaging (IM) and jQuery Mobile. The sharing will also touch on some of the technical considerations when using ‘free’ apps for similar activities.

Sharing #2: The Mobile Revolution is Upon Us, Are IHLs Ready for It?

Presenters: John Lim, Nanyang Polytechnic

Synopsis:
The decline in cost and increase in the features of mobile devices, including phablets and tablets, are set to change the education scene, especially in tertiary education, where the older students are in a better position to make use of these devices. From the educational viewpoint, this means that online services such as online learning and assessments can benefit by taking advantage of the unique capabilities of these devices to enhance teaching and learning. At the same time, the availability of cloud services has the propensity to enhance the capabilities and quality of these mobile-based applications. These developments present a unique opportunity for educational institutions which can harness these technological developments to further enhance their teaching and learning pedagogies. At the same time, security has to be considered to ensure that the risk of abuse, especially in the context of assessments, is minimized. This presentation will touch on a balanced approach towards harnessing mobile technologies while creating a safe environment for its use.

Sharing #3: NFC Mobile App Solution for a RFID-based Asset Tracking System

Presenters: Giam Kok Leng, NUS

Synopsis:
One of the key drivers for the adoption of mobile technology applications is the need to replace older systems and the associated business process. Very often, we have systems based on obsolete or near obsolete technologies that are also proprietary and expensive to maintain.This presentation will cover how a mobile app based on the Near Field Communication (NFC) technology has helped to simplify the process and lower the maintenance effort in an asset tracking system. The system has been using PDA devices for scanning of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to IT equipment for information update and verification purpose. There are some problems related to the PDA devices that require the need to look into alternative solutions. The project has also helped us to establish a design framework for a mobile app to communicate with backend business processes. The exploration of the NFC technology has also opened up possibilities of applying the technology in other areas.

Sharing #4: Devices don’t matter

Presenters: Goh Wee Sen & Melvin Tan, SMU

Synopsis:
SMU's journey in building a user centric mobile-first solution.

Challenge:
Universities often grapple with diverse information sources and systems that pose challenges in delivering content and services on diverse mobile platforms.

SMU’s solution:
Integration is the key design behind SMU’s mobile solution. See how SMU integrate the disparate content and services into one common source allowing users to perform several tasks without the need to constantly switch between the different mobile apps and websites.

From people-finder in Microsoft AD to way-finding via Google Maps, from news & events from the campus content management systems to multimedia from SMU YouTube and Flickr, SMU mobile presents a unified experience for users to access them directly.

We will share how SMU in-house team developed and deployed the mobile campus solution across native iOS, Android, and Windows Phone and mobile web platforms within 6 months.

The SMU mobile site has also been featured in the Mobile Awesomeness Website.