Elevating the Learning Experience through Mobile Collaboration

It’s no secret that new technologies are changing the way students learn. The modern classroom is no longer confined to a physical space and students have access to greater educational opportunities than ever before.

Much like video has created new models for learning; mobile video collaboration is extending the boundaries of education even more. Imagine a school where students can instant message a professor from their tablet with an urgent question about tomorrow’s test and get an immediate response, or where a student athlete headed to a competition can join a lecture from their own personal mobile device. By overcoming space and time challenges, students and faculty can connect to the people and resources they need from wherever they are. No longer is education confined to the walls of the classroom.

When Wake Forest University in North Carolina implemented collaborative technologies, they experienced a whole new sense of mobility.  The initiative, called “Wake in Motion” enabled students, faculty and researchers to connect with telepresence solutions like Cisco Jabber and Cisco WebEx, no matter where they were located. Equipped with these technologies Wake Forest is uncovering ways to be more efficient and enrich learning.

Not only are Cisco technologies extending the learning experience by enabling mobile learning opportunities, but it is also preparing students for the 21st century workforce. Students exposed to collaborative technologies will be better able to work together with businesses and coworkers through whatever means available and be ready to dive into today’s post-PC world.

The Internet, mobile devices and collaboration technology is creating a seismic shift in how students learn and teachers teach. I think the greatest benefit is the access to people, resources and information that would have never been possible even 5 years ago.  What do you think is the greatest way mobile collaboration is transforming education?