UNICONNECT JUN. 2014 | Page 13

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University

Technological Innovation

Nowadays, technology is an integral part of student university life. But while some universities stick to the standard elements others are rather more innovative in their approach.

Mobile phone apps to make student life easier and safer.

US recently announced the launch of the GuardianSentral smartphone app. The application, which can be downloaded free of charge by iPhone and Android users, is designed to help students feel safer around campus. With the options:

•‘Danger’ alert if a student feels threatened

•‘Check-in’ allow students to set a time by which they should be at a certain location

•‘Follow me’ GPS tracking is only activated if a student turns the application on.

Mobile phone apps for information-sharing.

Allows staff and students to check the university events calendar, read the latest campus news, find room locations, and even see what’s on offer that day in the various campus restaurants.

Users can also access contact details for university staff members, including email, phone and office location.

Koni Osterwalder is head of the group which implements and evaluates the use of new technologies in teaching. He says universities cannot ignore the fact that “ICT is transforming almost every aspect of our personal and lives.”

TAMARA

PEREGRINA