Liverpool University has deployed mobile technology from education software company Blackboard to deliver more personalised learning.
The university is utilising two apps from Blackboard. The Blackboard Mobile Central application delivers on-demand access to vital campus information. Users can navigate interactive campus maps, access course catalogs, event calendars and news, and use a directory to call or email instructors and classmates directly from the app.
The other app, Blackboard Mobile Learn, allows students and faculty to access and upload course content, check grades and assignments, create threaded discussion posts, email their classmates and instructors, comment on blogs and more, says Blackboard.
“We took an in-depth look at the market and no other vendor inspired the same degree of confidence as the team from Blackboard Mobile,” says Jake Gannon, head of applications, systems and services at the University of Liverpool. “Blackboard offers great value as it provides the resource and capability to offer mobile functionality across a wide range of mobile devices and platforms. It simply wouldnt be an option to build a team to do this in-house.”
According to a recent survey of Liverpool students, 67 per cent arrive at the University with a smartphone or web-enabled device. The University will deploy the apps this summer, and they will be branded for the institution. 
“In our everyday lives were all becoming familiar with performing a wide array of tasks directly from our mobiles,” says Gannon. “Blackboard has given us the ability to respond positively and proactively to our students needs, which benefits the diversification of our brand and enhances the quality of our reputation.”
“Were excited to be working with the University of Liverpool in this initiative, and theyre really leveraging the mobile opportunity with a vision for how to deliver course information and campus services,” says Kayvon Beypour, VP of Blackboard Mobile. “Were looking forward to seeing how they use our SDK to extend the functionality of Blackboard Mobile Central to address specific needs and requirements.”
The apps are available for Android, BlackBerry, webOS, and iOS devices. They are also available in mobile web form.
