Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching Ubiquitous Computing J.I.Mathers Sept. 2002.

Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching

UbiquitousComputing

J.I.MathersSept. 2002

Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching

What is Ubiquitous Computing?

• Oxford Dictionary – ‘present everywhere or in several places’

• IBM Thinkpad• Laptop with wireless connectivity

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Agenda

• Laptop/wireless• Case Study• RGU Perspective• Bluetooth• PDA and GPRS• Tablet PC

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Ubiquitous Computing

• All students have laptops.• No student labs with PC’s.• Wireless networks across campus.• Access provided from common rooms

and open areas.

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University of N. Carolina

• A public state funded university.• 15,400 u/gs and 8,780 p/gs.• 2,420 staff• 1000 seats in student labs• Facing renovation costs of £3.3m• Annual PC replacement of £440,000

(3 yr cycle)

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U of NC Starting Point

• Grant generating schools had resources.

• Grant challenged schools did not.• 65% had access to own computer.• Lowest common denominator was

inadequate.

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What did U of NC do?

• Set out to fill the 35% gap.• Laptop a requirement for every

student.• Introduced a life cycling program for

staff and students over 3 yrs.• Student financial support in form of

loan or grant.• KEY - local wireless for open spaces

and classrooms.

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UK Universities

• Strathclyde• Warwick• Scottish Universities

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Benefits to RGU - 1

• Potentially significant cost savings.• Consider buy, rent or partly funded.• Latest technology for all students and

staff• 24 x 7 availability• Standardisation brings better service and

more controlled costs

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Benefits to RGU - 2

• Laptops can be used in home, library or lecture rooms.

• Removes the annual PC replacement debate.

• LCD is a laptop with access to the Intranet.

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RGU Issues

• High percentage of students live at home.

• Funding of laptops• Laptops in the classroom• Security of laptops during the day• Find a partner

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IT Future Strategy

• Recognition that students will arrive with PDA and PC

• Want to connect on campus and at home• Connect halls of residences• VPN providing ‘H’ drives• Novell 6 provides full access remotely

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IT Strategy - Issues

• Software licences• Various PC’s and PDA’s• Security of access• Speed – at present 11 mbs vs 100 mbs

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Bluetooth?

• Nothing to do with the dentist• Technology standard using short-range radio

links replacing cables• Aim is for one Bluetooth device to connect

anywhere to any other in its proximity whatever manufacturer.

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Other Devices

• PDA with wireless connection• GPRS• Tablet PC