Wake Forest University, the first University in the United States to provide laptops for it’s students (since 1996), is now totally embracing the concept of fixed to mobile convergence. The university has developed a program using a Pocket PC to enable students, faculty and staff to access campus info on the fly! Those that take advantage of the program can download schedules, check grades, look up info in the campus directory and more! Need a certain book from the library? You don’t have to go to the campus library to see if it’s available. Just check the catalog on your Pocket PC! If you are running late, you can check the campus bus schedule and even set up your handheld to alert you when the bus is arriving at a stop!

Software developed by the Information Systems team at Wake Forest turns a PocketPC with a wireless card into a powerful learning and instruction tool. The software enables the device to be used as easy-to-manage portable web server that is completely under your control, provides Presentation capabilities enabling the user to use the Pocket PC as a PowerPoint remote control to navigate presentations on your desktop or laptop computer, start and manage your presentation, and see slide text and speaker notes on the PocketPC. The software also includes quizzing and feedback capabilities.

Not only is the WFU technology initiative providing ease of access to information and increased productivity for students, staff and faculty, but the pervasive use of technology at the campus is preparing students by enhancing their learning and integrating technology resources into every aspect of their educational experience prepares them for future careers. No matter what vocation or profession they may choose after graduation they will be prepared with the the tools needed to use technologies that are shaping the way the world conducts business.