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New technology showcased at major event

02/10/2008
-hosted by the University of Wolverhampton.
 
The new technology sends relevant information to visitors using the Bluetooth function on their mobile phones and other devices as they walk around a museum. It is ‘context aware’, so knows where the person is stood within the venue and even which similar attractions they have visited before.
 
The technology is to be showcased at a major international conference, mLearn 2008, hosted by the School of Computing and IT (SCIT). The event takes place from Wednesday, 8 to Friday 10 October 2008 at the Park Inn, Telford.
 
Delegates from around the world are set to attend the event and the new technology will be used to track their progress, send interesting and relevant information to their mobile phones and automatically generate an individualised website of their experiences over the three days.
 
In addition, delegates including researchers, academics and representatives from the mobile technology industry will get to see the innovative system in action at use at RAF Cosford and Enginuity during the conference, and contribute as well as receive information.
 
Dr Chris Dennett, who has developed the ‘context aware’ technology, said: “The technology means that organisations like the Ironbridge Gorge, with several museums, or the National Trust or English Heritage, with many properties, can supply information to visitors based on their previous visits and a growing knowledge of their specific interests. This is a major development for delivering personalised informal learning.”
 
E-Learning expert John Traxler, Director of the University’s Learning Lab and Conference Chair, said: “The conference comes to the University of Wolverhampton just as work into mobile technology gathers maturity and momentum, and is a very exciting time. It is in recognition of the research conducted within the UK, and the University of Wolverhampton in particular, that this region was chosen to host this event. “
 
Keynote speakers include Marc Prensky, from the USA, who is acknowledged as a world renowned visionary in this field. The other internationally renowned speakers include Professor Diana Laurillard from London Knowledge Lab and Professor Mike Short, Vice President of Research & Development from O2.
 
For further information and for details about a number of pre-conference workshops taking place on Tuesday, 7 October 2008, please contact Abi Redmond on 01902 322362 or email enquiries@mlearn2008.org

Further information

For media inquiries, contact Vickie Woodward in the Press Office on 01902 322736 or 07973 335112.
 

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