CoSN highlights mobile in spring EdTechNext Report

The Consortium for School Networking’s (CoSN) latest EdTechNext Report shifts the focus for districts and schools toward building mobile into their content and application strategies – from school-wide apps to curriculum.

With ever-increasing “anytime, anywhere” uses of mobile devices, CoSN’s spring 2014 EdTechNext Report titled Small Screens, Big Plans explains that the mobile shift in U.S. communities should require school districts to move their focus from just adopting mobile technology programs to the impact mobile has on delivering information and services.

For districts or school systems to build a mobile content strategy, the report outlines six steps that comprise both information and application content:

  • Evaluate where your district is and with whom it works – compile an inventory of existing systems, people, skills sets, and content as well as evaluate their mobile readiness.
  • Prioritize what is most important – what information should be made mobile and on which devices / app platforms.
  • Act on tactical solutions for the short-term and plan for long-term mobility needs.
  • Communicate the designed strategy to key stakeholders and actively promote the application.
  • Monitor, measure, and guide your mobile strategy using analytics, surveys, audience profiles and usability testing.
  • Support, maintain, and adjust to changing needs, trends and technologies, including the frequency that content will require updates.

According to the report, these steps explain how district and school mobile apps are becoming essential communication drivers with parents and students for activities and events, news and announcements, school calendars and directories, among other useful information. In addition, “Small Screens, Big Plans” shares how districts and schools have successfully become mobile-based, including tailoring curriculum with mobile web and app development courses.

CoSN’s EdTechNext Reports are made possible by Amplify, Blackboard, CDW-G, Google, HP, iBoss Network Security, Identity Automation, Lenovo, Lightspeed Systems, Microsoft, Pearson, Pearson Foundation, Qualcomm, SchoolDude and Sprint.