Dennis Carter’s article “Colleges embrace MP4 technology for delivering instruction” is an excellent example of this movement. Not surprisingly, The University Alliance is a driving force behind producing MP4 video lectures of classroom material.

However, adding some brick and mortar credence to this move, four well-known universities are joining the bandwagon in offering MP4 lecture content: Tulane University, University of Notre Dame, University of San Francisco, and Villanova University. Each of these four universities has a strong history of academic excellence.

A perfect storm seems to be brewing for this move to be imminent and quick. As Dr. Yuen recorded, the article predicts that mobile computing will increase over the next year in colleges and universities.

1. Many students are demanding this technology; they want anytime, anywhere learning to become a reality.

2. In a tough economy, gaining customers (students) is an ever more competitive venture. For students, accessibility and flexibility might play a major role in recruiting and, just as important, retaining students.

3. Most of the course management systems now have a mobile plug-in.

4. More and more students own a mobile device that can handle such content.

5. A flood of free applications and mobile resources now allow students to complete coursework online in a more feasible manner.