Controls and inappropriate content
A considerable concern for some was that inappropriate content being made available on some T-Mobile devices. “Though this would affect a comparatively small number of learners (those under 19) SMT were very concerned about the issue.” Tower Hamlets College. For future contracts Tower Hamlets College recommend asking T-Mobile to install Office Link content management system. The installation of OfficeLink or similar services like SOTI client has worked well for many projects therefore removing the worry about Internet access and usage.
Joseph Priestly College also suggest that the SOTI client offers remote administration of devices including problem solving, installation of learning materials and making an image of the software to see if any changes have been made to devices. “It also displays the percentage charge of the battery. Hence if devices are on long term loan to a learner the storage and charging are taken care of.”
Also recommended are other controls such as web filtering is mentioned such that for some projects access to any suitable and relevant content was severely limited. Considering the O2’s filtering accessed on the 140 GSM enabled phones “After lengthy discussions with O2 it was possible to remove certain sites such as Moodle, MIMAS, BBC Skillswise from the blocking system”
Other controls such as at St Helens College where restricted access to software such as iTunes has caused some concerns as stringent controls render a device less than effective for its purpose. "The disabling of 3G connection on an iPhone offers the same functionality as an iTouch without the additional cost per device."