The University selected its new Mobile Learning Fellows for the class of 2010-2011 this fall. The 11 faculty members awarded will research mobile integration and cutting-edge technology to encourage ACU’s push towards innovation.
Created to support the Mobile Learning Initiative, the Mobile Learning Fellows engage in research studies to incorporate and refine the current use of technology on the ACU campus. Dr. Scott Perkins, coordinator of mobile learning research, said the group was developed in 2008 as a response to ACU’s commitment to evaluate the mobile learning program.
“This is the future, and we try to be proactive,” Perkins said. “If we didn’t move in a good, creative, innovative spirit, then we wouldn’t be getting good use out of these mobile devices.”
As a candidate, each of the fellows had to submit his or her research plan to a panel for a faculty peer review. Each research plan was evaluated based on its academic value and whether or not the panel believed ACU should support and invest in the candidate, Perkins said.
The Mobile Learning Fellows are Dr. Brian Burton, assistant professor of information technology, Dr. Susan Lewis, assistant professor of journalism and mass communication, Dr. Kenneth Pybus, associate professor of journalism and mass communication, Mike Wiggins, assistant professor of art and design, Dr. Brad Crisp, assistant professor of information systems and management sciences, Dr. John Ehrke, assistant professor of mathematics, Dr. Jason Holland, associate professor of mathematics, Kenny Jones, associate professor of art, Dr. Mark Phillips, assistant professor of management sciences, Dr. Cynthia Powell, assistant professor of chemistry, and Dr. Autumn Sutherlin, associate professor of biochemistry.
The research plans of the Mobile Learning Fellows will be used in the Fellows’ various classes. As a third-year Mobile Learning Fellow, Dr. Cynthia Powell continues to integrate technology into the classroom by using podcasts in her chemistry labs.
“We’re living in a time where technology is changing quickly, and mobile devices are becoming mainstream culture,” Powell said. “It’s really benefiting the students, and it’s a great opportunity.”
Another fellow, Kenny Jones, plans to involve his art students in research to build an iPhone application, allowing students to virtually interact with ACU campus landmarks.
“It’s an exciting time to be researching,” Jones said. “The sky’s the limit.”
