Next.IU
University Information Technology Services
Educating in the digital age
US College Student Smartphone Users, 2010-2016
Millions of college mobile phone users
- 2010 8.14 47%
- 2011 10.61 61.2%
- 2012 11.6 67%
- 2013 12.77 73%
- 2014 14.07 78.8%
- 2015 15.63 85.6%
- 2016 17 91.4%
Source: eMarketer.com
By the time the class of 2016 graduates, close to 90% of college students in the US will own a smartphone. Does that statistic surprise you? If so, it shouldn't. Today's students are digital natives who expect to live, work, and learn in a digital environment. As educators, it is imperative that we investigate, explore, and implement the tools and approaches that best provide students with rich learning experiences and positive learning outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the goal of the pilots to pick a successor to Oncourse?
The goal is to use broad engagement to assess what types of tools, systems, and pedagogical approaches best support the mission of Indiana University. We expect this assessment to strengthen our understanding of the services that support teaching and learning, and serve as a guide for any future learning management system decisions.
Can faculty suggest systems and tools for the pilots?
Yes. If you'd like to try a particular system or tool, or have been experimenting with one, please let us know. We want to find approaches that a variety of people want to try. However, please note that suggesting a system or tool does not mean it will be added to the trials. We will only evaluate approaches that make sense for the university community as a whole. If you'd like to suggest technologies for the pilot, please contact us.
Can faculty participate in multiple trials?
Yes. Faculty members can opt-in to new trials each semester.
How will the systems or tools be evaluated for use at IU?
This process will actively seek in-depth feedback and insight from faculty and students. In addition, functional and technical evaluation will also be conducted. There may be reasons why certain platforms and tools are not sustainable for IU.
Since the pilots will test third party services, how will the university address security and FERPA issues?
Indiana University is committed to the protection and confidentiality of student educational records, adhering closely to the guidelines established by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The university will consult with the University Information Policy and Security Offices to ensure the security of all data before systems go live.
Will the university continue to update and maintain Oncourse?
Yes. We have very broad faculty adoption and use of Oncourse as a baseline system. The university will continue to make incremental enhancements and improvements to Oncourse at least until the fall semester of 2016.
How will you test the impact of new systems and tools for online education?
We are coordinating our efforts with the Office for Online Education to address these issues.
Will my department have to come up with funds to participate in the trials?
No. Much like the lynda.com pilot, faculty members will be able to opt-in at no cost.
What types of learning systems and tools will participants use during the pilots?
The pilots may include both open source and vendor-provided products.
Questions? Please contact us.
Copyright © 2013 The Trustees of Indiana University | Copyright Complaints
Next.IU is a two-year pilot program to assess and measure how next-generation teaching and learning technologies may suit the evolving needs of IU students and faculty members. IU faculty can opt-in to the trials at any time and at no cost.