From wired to wireless, mobile computing is changing how students, faculty, and staff connect with the university and each other. Colin Currie's article "Impact of Mobile Computing: Anticipating the Effects on the Campus" addresses  the latest change and disruption  in higher education caused by smart phones and tablets.

"The evolutionary leap that mobile computing represents is significant because it is the point of connection between... three technologies... :

• the personal computing device
• cellular communications, and
• the Internet."

What explains this shift?

• Mobile  devices offer portability, simple user interface, multifunctionality, and easy internet connection;
• Students expect Internet connection; and
• "110 million Americans owned a smartphone as of April 2012"

Shifting to the mobile web

• "Unlike with traditional campus applications where users launch different programs or navigate to different sites in order to accomplish two or more tasks, the mobile application typically provides a single environment where multiple tasks can be completed."
• Most desirable apps for higher education include student services, learning management services, messaging and calendar, social networking, personal productivity, and classroom technology

What are the challenges?

• Rapid changes in technology;
• Choosing between mobile platforms; and
• Coordination in application development.

The mobile revolution is already here, and those institutions that embrace it, see it as a strategic initiative, plan for it, and coordinate their efforts stand to reap the benefits of this new approach to communications and computing. Does your institution have a plan for mobile computing?