Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching

UbiquitousComputing

J.I.MathersSept. 2002

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What is Ubiquitous Computing?

• Oxford Dictionary – ‘present everywhere or in several places’

• IBM Thinkpad• Laptop with wireless connectivity

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Agenda

• Laptop/wireless• Case Study• RGU Perspective• Bluetooth• PDA and GPRS• Tablet PC

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Ubiquitous Computing

• All students have laptops.• No student labs with PC’s.• Wireless networks across campus.• Access provided from common rooms

and open areas.

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University of N. Carolina

• A public state funded university.• 15,400 u/gs and 8,780 p/gs.• 2,420 staff• 1000 seats in student labs• Facing renovation costs of £3.3m• Annual PC replacement of £440,000

(3 yr cycle)

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U of NC Starting Point

• Grant generating schools had resources.

• Grant challenged schools did not.• 65% had access to own computer.• Lowest common denominator was

inadequate.

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What did U of NC do?

• Set out to fill the 35% gap.• Laptop a requirement for every

student.• Introduced a life cycling program for

staff and students over 3 yrs.• Student financial support in form of

loan or grant.• KEY - local wireless for open spaces

and classrooms.

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UK Universities

• Strathclyde• Warwick• Scottish Universities

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Benefits to RGU - 1

• Potentially significant cost savings.• Consider buy, rent or partly funded.• Latest technology for all students and

staff• 24 x 7 availability• Standardisation brings better service and

more controlled costs

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Benefits to RGU - 2

• Laptops can be used in home, library or lecture rooms.

• Removes the annual PC replacement debate.

• LCD is a laptop with access to the Intranet.

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RGU Issues

• High percentage of students live at home.

• Funding of laptops• Laptops in the classroom• Security of laptops during the day• Find a partner

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IT Future Strategy

• Recognition that students will arrive with PDA and PC

• Want to connect on campus and at home• Connect halls of residences• VPN providing ‘H’ drives• Novell 6 provides full access remotely

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IT Strategy - Issues

• Software licences• Various PC’s and PDA’s• Security of access• Speed – at present 11 mbs vs 100 mbs

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Bluetooth?

• Nothing to do with the dentist• Technology standard using short-range radio

links replacing cables• Aim is for one Bluetooth device to connect

anywhere to any other in its proximity whatever manufacturer.

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Other Devices

• PDA with wireless connection• GPRS• Tablet PC