Launch of CampusM

On Monday went to the launch of the oMbiel product called CampusM (I learnt on the day that oMbiel is an anagram of Mobile doh). The University has procured the system for set-up and launch early in the New Year, initially on Iphones and Touch, and by Spring available cross platform (smartphone). The attenders didn't get complimentary iPhones but I am now the owner of an apple ballpoint - looks of envy all around. Bradford already has a dotmobi site and has been a pioneer - we will be active members of the inaugural University User Group. The early adopter is Sheffield. There are other people blogging about this - about 70 people attended. We also got an update on iTunesU which is growing fast however, the key enabler of this is great content - providing the full platform for free is an interesting gesture and I liked the way that John Hickey described "rock star academics" and the analogy between U2 (the University), CD (the course), music track (the module). Yes. Quite. If anyone is interested in the session notes then they're available. Key message: more and more students will have access to this sort of mobile technology. It enables new ways of accessing a wide range of University services. We will be part of a pioneering club that will improve student experience. We may also save student's time and also University staff/resources through mobile and self-service. We are continuing to invest in new technology at Bradford Universtiy.