All things VCU? There’s an app for that
Nan Turner
Contributing Writer
Freshmen are not the only new addition to VCU campus life this fall. The staff at Technology Services unveiled the VCU Mobile iPhone application in August, just in time for the start of the semester. The new application joins the earlier established Mobile Learn program that strives to make an upgraded version of Blackboard available through any wireless device. With VCU Mobile, Apple users can look up course details, use GPS to find on-campus locations, view pictures and locations of various buildings around campus, look up contact information for students and faculty, and browse events and news.
Scott Davis, the Division Director of Application Services, said that Technology Services started to work on the application in December.
“Lots of different areas in the University wanted to develop an app and the library actually did. They developed the programming and built [the app],” Davis said. “A lot of people were interested and we just needed to find a platform.”
According to Davis, the needed platform was provided by Blackboard.
“When Blackboard rolled out Mobile Learn they also came and offered us another product called Mobile Central which became our VCU mobile,” Davis said. “So we bought into it and they’ve been helping us develop these applications.”
Technology Services hopes to roll out a number of other campus-focused apps which include a way for students to access dining services menus daily, a live shuttle bus locator, a virtual tour of the campus and an app designed by the Athletics department.
What makes VCU Mobile unique is the convenience of the program, Davis said.
“If you’re out to lunch, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to check on an assignment or an email?” Davis said. “ It’s much easier to carry around a Smartphone device that you’re familiar with already than to lug around your laptop, you can leave that in your dorm.”
VCU Mobile is currently only available for the Apple’s iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone, but versions for Blackberry and Droid phones are in the works. Until then anyone with web browser access on their phone can type in www.m.vcu.edu in their browser bar to see all the applications.
Before VCU Mobile was developed, Tech Services released Mobile Learn in May/June. Service through AT&T is not required for Mobile Learn, only some sort of wireless internet access is needed. The application is also available for the Blackberry and the Droid Smartphones. To access Mobile Learn, students can simply go to the Apple store, type in Blackboard and download the application for free.
Anyone with suggestions for new applications or questions about the program is encouraged to fill out a suggestion email to Technology Services through their website.
