Mobile Teaching and Learning

Definition, Policy Guidelines and Expectations

What is mobile teaching and learning?
Mobile teaching and learning is the versatile use of computing devices at some distance from the normal, fixed classroom or workplace to interact in some fashion with a central information system. As a result, students or faculty can create, access, process, store, and communicate information without being constrained to a single location. The key driver behind mobile teaching and learning is the need to deliver knowledge to any place, any time for the purpose of enhancing learning opportunities, improving productivity, and providing a competitive edge in the classroom and in future careers.

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is positioned to respond to the increasing use of mobile devices by its students and the need to move to the next level of our "high tech/high touch" teaching and learning environment. The University has taken the following steps: (1) created a campus-wide wireless infrastructure; (2) purchased tablet and laptop computers for faculty and selected staff; (3) developed education technology training opportunities for faculty in the Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning Technologies (CTELT); and (4) built a new technical support structure for faculty and students in Forsyth Library and the Computing and Telecommunication Center (CTC).

Policy guidelines
All new, on-campus students enrolled at FHSU are expected to have available a mobile computing device in the form of a tablet, laptop or netbook computer for use in university learning experiences of all types. Because of their versatility, enhanced functionality and compatibility with classroom use, the university recommends, but does not require, the acquisition of tablet computers. Some programs (e.g. graphic design) and individual instructors employ Apple computers in their courses and/or curriculum. This exception to policy is permitted, but students should check with their advisers or an individual faculty member teaching the class to assess whether Apple computing devices are required in a course.

While students have the freedom to choose and purchase equipment from any vendor when preparing for this technology-enhanced learning environment, the University offers preferred relationships with a select group of vendors. The vendors are listed in the Resources section of the Mobile Teaching and Learning Web site. In addition, equipment and software purchased from any vendor (university-affiliated or student-selected) must have the capability to run software applications specified by the University and must meet the hardware/software recommendations listed in the Resources section.

Student/Faculty expectations
1. Students should expected limited FHSU equipment and software assistance through the Learning Commons located in Forsyth Library. The level to technical support for wireless connectivity and for basic hardware and software configurations is provided in the Resources section of the Mobile Teaching and Learning Web site. FHSU will provide basic training for the use of the following software applications:

Microsoft Office
Internet Explorer
Firefox
Windows XP
Macintosh OS X
File Transfer
Adobe Reader
Adobe Photoshop
Blackboard 9.0

All hardware-related repairs of student-owned tablet and laptop computers must be referred to local vendors. Unless otherwise specified by FHSU, vendor/student communications regarding purchase advice, repairs, upgrades, or other purchases and maintenance issues will occur solely between the vendor and the student.  FHSU uses Sicoir Computer Technologies, 1501 27th Street, Hays, KS 67601, (785) 628-1330, www.sicoir.com for warranty and repair on Gateway Computers.

2. Although there may be some exceptions because of the type or management of the learning experience, students should expect to be able to use their computing devices in class. Students should not expect the use of computing devices in all classes at all times. Faculty can expect, however, that when adequate notification is provided, students will have the necessary computing devices for any and all learning experiences. Some learning experiences will be designated in course schedules as "tablet" or "laptop" intensive. Students should consult with the instructor to receive a complete explanation about what computing devices are needed and how the may be acquired for these learning experiences.

3. When appropriate, faculty are expected to integrate computing devices and other technologies into both traditional and virtual learning environments.