Algonquin College Mobile Learning Centre

Ottawa, Ontario

Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology

The Algonquin Mobile Learning Centre is a computer lab that delivers a collaborative learning environment using mobile and cloud computing technology – the first of its kind in North America. This new lab will help students make a seamless transition between working on or off campus by providing a dedicated space to use mobile computing devices.

The vision and the program of this innovative educational environment were developed using a participation process involving the Client and the Users, including students. Interactive workshops (charettes) with the Users created a true sense of authorship and resulted in development of the "Pilot" solution for Algonquin College Mobile Learning Centres.

The collaborative atmosphere is augmented as Student Success Specialists, Counsellors, Academic Advisors, and Academic Coaches for math, English, and technology will work alongside students in this facility in order to create a concentrated learning environment with the help students need close at hand.

With success of this pilot project, the intent of Algonquin College is to roll it out throughout other labs on campus

This facility creates over 100 new mobile computing spaces for students who now have a place to bring their laptop, iPad, smartphone, and virtually any other mobile device and connect to the college network and collaborate with their peers on projects. The versatile and comfortable lab is furnished with couches, arm chairs, coffee tables, individual study pods, group collaboration tables, large flat-screen display monitors, and break-away rooms to provide students appropriate space unique to their individual needs.