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 concept behind mobile teaching and learning is based on the need to deliver intelligence to any location 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 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 invested in the completion of a campus-wide wireless infrastructure, the purchase of tablet computers for faculty, the provision of training opportunities for faculty, and the building of a new technical support structure.

Beginning Fall 2007, all new, on-campus students enrolled at FHSU will be required to use tablet computers so that they may take full advantage of the learning opportunities presented by the University.  Apple computer users are not subject to the tablet requirement.  The University strongly recommends but does not require current students to purchase tablet computers.

While students have the freedom to select and purchase equipment from any vendor when preparing for this new learning environment, the University will offer preferred relationships with a select group of vendors.  The vendors are listed on the Student Purchases section of the Mobile Teaching and Learning Web site.  Equipment and software purchased from any vendor must have the capability to run software applications specified by the University and must meet the standards listed at the Mobile Teaching and Learning Web site.

FHSU will provide limited equipment and software assistance through the Student Computing Help Desk located in Forsyth Library.  The level of technical support for wireless connectivity, basic hardware and software configuration issues, basic hardware issues, and basic software issues is listed under the minimum specifications area of the Mobile Teaching and Learning website.  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

All hardware-related repairs of student-owned tablet and laptop computers will 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 will seek to maintain relationships with vendors to ensure that students receive appropriate treatment when seeking advice, repairs, upgrades, or other maintenance.

Adopted by President’s Cabinet 9/5/06