Project Title: Best Practices in Mobile Computing
Project Author: Brooke Estabrook-Fishinghawk (Mesa)
Abstract: Write a concise summary with descriptive information about your project, location, time span, your relationship to it, etc. Include specific information-- since you have completed your project, your knowledge is valuable and can be shared with your colleagues.
I conducted research to determine what role emerging technologies for internet connectivity are playing in my discipline, Computer Information Systems. My goal was to learn about these technologies, interview industry professionals about the technologies, and demo as many technologies as possible. The overarching purpose of my project was to research various options for internet connectivity in different regions around the world. The purpose of my project is to familiarize myself with various connectivity technologies so that I can stay up-to-date in my field and share my knowledge and experience with my colleagues and my students. The outcomes of the project provided first-hand knowledge and experience with mobile technologies and written results from my research that I am sharing with colleagues. The project took place during the month of July 2006. Internet access must be dependable and reliable if you plan on traveling during instructional time. There are certain technologies that are stable while others have empty promises that need more time to develop stable reliable access.
Outcomes: In a paragraph or two describe what worked well. Did you accomplish your objective(s)? Were you able to complete your summer project as written? If not, what did you modify and why? What did not go as well as expected, if anything? Were there any surprises? Note: Use the questions as guides for your outcomes. Do not include detailed list of workshops attended, speakers who presented, or a list of items you have seen, heard, or read.
I had four objectives. One was to research the available options in internet connectivity by doing both online research and by identifying and reading industry white papers about the technologies. I read quite a bit online as well as in journals and periodicals to gain more information about connectivity options. While many options are in beta stages there are not as many that are available that work on a consistent basis.
Another objective was to interview technology professionals about each of the technologies to determine which ones are safest, most secure, most efficient, and most cost-effective in the identified regions. I was able to interview professionals in the US and in France but was unable to interview anyone in Canada.
My third objective was to demo the various technologies to gain first-hand experience with them. I was able to try 2 broadband cards, internet cafes, dial up cell phones, and pay-as-you-go wireless point access.
My last objective was to develop a matrix that I can use in my discipline and share with colleagues and students that compares and contrasts the technologies according to the four listed criteria in each of the identified regions. I was able to complete this matrix which provides and easy to understand list of options for connectivity.
Professional Growth: Your own professional growth is a large part of your project. Your professional growth is important to you, your students, your college, and possibly other colleagues. How did project affect you professionally? What skills did you learn? What environments were you working in and how might your summer project influence your teaching or other responsibilities? Did you gain a different perspective? Was it professionally valuable for you?
The primary objective for this goal was to inform my colleagues about the emerging technologies for internet connectivity so that we can share this knowledge with our students. I accomplished this goal and objective by drafting a matrix I have developed that I can eventually publish in my discipline. The matrix helped me produce a document not only for sharing direct information about connectivity but also to demonstrate the disconnect between perceived information and fact. Most of us, me included make assumptions about technology especially when we are very comfortable with it. This project, because of the very nature of working with brand new technology, reminded me of the process of trying to problem solve technology issues with very little information or assistance. Some of the products I was able to test are just in the beta versions for companies so no technical support was provided. I was reminded to be patient. I was reminded to carefully and precisely measure what did work and what did not work and why. This is a gentle reminder of what students experience so I can be more cognizant of their feelings. I hope this matrix will aid in discussion not only of what options are present for connectivity but how to measure those options to choose the best in each situation. The project was professional valuable for learning what options are currently available as well the best way to communicate the how and why of each options for others.
Dissemination: How will you share this information with your colleagues, department, students, or college?
In order to serve my students' needs and to make my instruction relevant and accurate, I have first-hand knowledge and experience with emerging technologies for internet connectivity. Students are interested in this topic, and this is a way for me to spark their interest in Computer Information Systems so that they are prepared for the workplace. I currently teach a variety of CIS courses and I will incorporate the matrix and have a discussion not only about what options are available but also how they could learn about other technologies as they change. I will share this project with distance learning students through our interactions about the course. I might be able to direct students toward better connection options for themselves. I have more up-to-date information to share with students. I can help my colleagues incorporate knowledge of internet connectivity by sharing the matrix and findings with them to share with their students. By comparing and contrasting various options, I can also help colleagues determine which technologies to focus on in their own professional growth and instruction.
I will share this project with my colleagues with the matrix I have developed that I can eventually publish in my discipline, drafting a summary report of my findings to post on the Maricopa Learning Exchange, and drafting guidelines and a summary of my research to share with my department colleagues.
For more information about this project, check out the "package" in the Maricopa Learning eXchange:
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/mlx/slip.php?item=01826