The Office of Computing Services is trying to take advantage of this widespread usage of cell phones and Palm Pilot-type devices by offering new mobile services.
Joel Williams, Computing Services application consultant, said students with internet access on their mobile devices can currently access the Campus Calendar, News Releases and the Campus Directory on those devices.
Williams said OCS began doing research in January 2000 to assess capabilities and the utilization of new technology to find ways to benefit students.
“It’s been in place for quite a while,” Williams said. “What we’ve noticed in the last two years has been a substantial growth in cell phone use.”
The number of students who have accessed those features is considerably less.
“Right now, we’re at a slow point with it,” Williams said. “We’ve got to find a direction and light a fire under this.”
Most students were not even aware that such features could be accessed on cell phones with internet capabilities.
“I didn’t even know about it,” said Rudy Troyer, a graduate student in social work. “But I’d probably use that.”
Erin Raifor, a kinesiology junior, agreed.
“I haven’t even seen it yet,” Raifor said. “But, that would be cool.”
Williams said OCS is hoping to eventually have all PAWS applications available on mobile devices.
“The technology is in place, but we need to get feedback from students,” Williams said.
“I’m really concerned about the feedback from the LSU community,” said Byron Honore, Enterprise Solutions Manager for Computing Services.
Honore said OCS was interested in hearing opinions from students who have accessed University information on their cell phones, as well as from students who would like to do so.
For more information, students can visit either www.lsu.edu/mobile or mobile2.lsu.edu.
Students who want to send feedback to Computing Services about using their mobile devices can email [email protected] with their comments and suggestions.