University expert to advise world governments on mobile technology

A scientist from the University of Wolverhampton is leading a group of experts in advising international governments how best to use mobile technology.

Professor John Traxler, the University’s Professor of Mobile Learning, was chosen to head up the group by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), a UN communications agency based in Geneva.

He was asked to put together a team of experts from around the world, in countries like New Zealand, Spain, Canada and the USA, with specialties in areas like mobile communications, skills development, community education and international development.

The group has been tasked with putting together a publication which shows the benefits of introducing mobile technology to developing economies.

Mobile technology includes the use of devices like iPods, iPads, mobile phones and laptops and the group will look how use of these could improve life and business for poorer, more independent traders and labourers, like farmers, fishermen and mechanics.

The publication is set to be completed by August and presented at the ITU’s annual conference. From there it will distributed to international governments to advise appropriate departments.

Professor Traxler said: “The ITU are keen to contribute something unique, stimulating and innovative to the global activity and understanding in mobile learning and are proposing a publication that complements existing outputs and focusses specifically on informal, lifelong and community learning and on skills development in the context of the economic, social and cultural impact of widespread mobile penetration, usage and familiarity.

“It is a real honour to be asked to help make this project happen and shows what kind of international reputation the University of Wolverhampton has.”

ENDS

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