Peripherals and software
Many projects have found that it's been a steep learning curve when using non-conventional software and devices with the College system. This section offers advice when using specific software, peripherals and devices.
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Managing Apple devices
The iPod Touch has proved very popular and not just because it looks sleek and impressive. However it is limited in not being compatible with the iTalk device that can be attached to an iPod, such as a Classic or Nano, for voice recordings. The iPod Touch is also not compatible with iQuiz software that allows you to create multiple choice questions using iTunes software.
Managing Sony PSP devices
The Glossy Project reported that Sony PSPs and Nintendo DS Lite devices accessed the wireless network very easily. They also found the devices linked to Interactive White Boards with ease and therefore a range of educational games could be used regularly using this platform.
Moodle and other VLE access
Whilst Moodle is very popular as a learning platform it appears many projects have faced some difficulty in accessing and viewing the sub-folders within the Moodle. Eccles College found that access to Moodle was entirely dependent on the wireless speed and connectivity.
You may find that access to Moodle forum entries might need some adjustment when using via mobile devices. Pocket Internet Explorer 6 identifies itself as Internet Explorer 6 and can produce text input box errors. Each user may have to set preferences within Moodle to not try to render the HTML editor. The Opera browser might provide a better option.
Oaklands College discovered that Blackboard VLE, as it is based on the use of frames, was not compatible with a small screen size and the way that Internet Explorer 6 renders the pages. They did find that they could strip away unnecessary information in Moodle, which made access easier, however this was a time-consuming task.
Video
Video cameras have been purchased by many projects in order to produce good quality video resources for mobile devices. The Bolton College purchased the Sony DCR-SR32 as it had the essential specifications to produce high quality video and the software allowed users to easily drag and drop files between camera and computer. It produced compatibility issues as the codec required by SONY isn't compatible with Windows Media Player, Windows Moviemaker or Podcast Producer. Staff were unable to edit or convert the large files produced by the camera.
Technical staff helped convert the files using the freeware solution MediaCoder however an average conversion would take 3 - 9 hours to complete depending on the video length. Adobe Premiere was trialled and, although the file formats were recognisable, the conversion still took a lengthy time.
Bolton College certainly do advise to not rush in and buy video equipment until trials have been carried out. After lengthy research they now use a 'cheap and cheerful' AIPTEK video camera that provides MP4 video output on a removable SD memory card. Since the use of these cameras they have now found that the video output is not compatible with their Moodle virtual learning environment so conversion is still required.
Visual Hub has been found to be excellent software for fast video conversion to a variety of formats. It can convert files faster than real time and is available only for Mac OSX.
For many learners the use of video and still image capture is essential. Some mobile phones don't take adequate quality so Norwich College recommends the investment in some Flip video cameras as they are small, cheap, funky looking and they have editing software on the device for immediate changes.
The SUPER website offers a Prism Video Convertor - free to use and reasonably simple.
Software
There have been various issues with software and compatability with mobile devices. Some Colleges have used Web 2.0 areas such as Shozu, Buzznet , and Dashwire with learners for uploading images and videos. Oaklands College used Vox Blog with their LDD students which offers the advantage of customisable views and client uploads of 50 MB when compared to Shozu's 10 MB restriction.
Many projects have carried out staff training and have found the MyMobiler software invaluable as it allows you to project the device screen through projection.