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/system/asa/innovations/innovation-funding/images/winona-mclab.jpgsite://minnstate/system/asa/innovations/innovation-funding/images/winona-mclab.jpgminnstatewinona-mclab.jpg86649375275Students looking at a computer.Mobile Computing Laboratory (McLAB)

Mobile Computing Laboratory - McLAB

Bemidji State University, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Lake Superior College, Metro State University, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minnesota State University Moorhead, St. Cloud Technical and Community College, South Central College, Southwest Minnesota State University, and Winona State University

Background

Mobile computing has become mainstream. In K-12 education, mobile computing has become the go-to choice for putting technology in the hands of faculty and students. Because of the small form factor, durability, and low initial investment, many K-12 districts are putting tablets in students’ hands for consumption, creation, and collaboration. Also popular in business, tablets are used as kiosks, point-of-sale devices, and mobile resources throughout the business process. Smartphones are used to check inventories, scan barcodes, and provide instant communication across the business.

There is a need, however, that emerges from this rapidly changing technology: Faculty need a place to explore new mobile-computing ideas before taking them into their classes. The intention of the Mobile Computing Laboratory (McLAB) is to create a center for promoting the innovative, academic applications of mobile technology where faculty and staff can bring mobile-computing ideas for development and testing.

These needs to test new technologies are not unique to any one institution. Therefore, the McLAB will nurture and support experimentation across all Minnesota State schools, generalizing and documenting the results here for all schools to access.

Type of Grant Received from Minnesota State Innovation Funding

Large Seed Grant - $28,030

Contact

Norb Thomes

Minnesota State faculty, staff, and administrators interested in applying for an innovation funding grant can visit the Innovation Funding SharePoint (log in using StarID@MinnState.edu) to find more information and applications.