AT&T and Indiana University partner to bring BlackBerry technology to the classroom

May 23, 11:23 AMRichmond Distance Learning ExaminerCindy Wolfe

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Richmond Distance Learning Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Indiana University has announced that it has entered into an agreement with AT&T, providing graduate students and staff in the Kelley School of Business with discounted BlackBerry smartphones.

The program was negotiated by University Information Technology Services and will begin on July 1, 2009. Students can elect to sign a contract with AT&T for discounted products and services.

Educators at Indiana University will be able to experiment with integrating different forms of distance learning with the smartphones, as well as allow students to work with a tool that has become almost ubiquitous in the business world. The BlackBerry provides internet access, web tools and applications, and information download capabilities.

This move introduces a new type of relationship between business and education. It is an opportunity for the company; new student customers may mean long-term future revenue relationships. It is a win for the university through innovation and designing coursework and applications with real-world relevance.

Using mobile apps in an increasingly technology-dependent student population is a good forward step for education. Distance learning continues to transform to meet the needs of students and institutions and expand information access to a highly diverse group of learners.

© 2009 Cindy Wolfe

For more information:

IU agreement with AT&T, Kelley School of Business embraces mobility with BlackBerry smartphones

Indiana University, Kelley School of Business