Mobile Computing Initiatives within Pharmacy Education

According to recent research from College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, " Mobile Computing Initiatives within Pharmacy Education":

1. The most popular factor that prompted the mobile computing initiative for the school is to enhance teaching & learning opportunities.
   
2. Primary uses of mobile computing devices within classroom are "accessing course materials,", "taking notes,", and ‘‘communications.’’
3. ‘‘Increased flexibility in teaching/learning’’ was the most popular positive aspect of the mobile computing requirement at their institution.
4. Computer-aided distraction was the most often cited negative aspect.

The researchers concluded that the implementation of mobile computing into pharmacy education involved numerous considerations: logistic, technical support, students and instructor's attitudes, infrastructure, and training of faculty members. Additionally, the use of mobile computing should not limited to simple communication and information-sharing but to create efficiencies in teaching and learning, develop higher-order thinking skills, and engage students in active learning.

(Source: Jeff Cain, EdD, Eleanora R. Bird, MS, and Mikael Jones, 2008, 'Mobile Computing Initiatives within Pharmacy Educatio, American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education; 72 (4) Article 76)