Tech & Tools

USC Schools of Education and Social Work Go Mobile

The University of Southern California (USC) Rossier School of Education and USC School of Social Work Web-based graduate programs have released a new mobile application that allows students to access multimedia course content and intraschool social networks from their Android smartphone. The launch follows the introduction of a similar iPhone/iPad app on iTunes last year.

The MAT@USC (Master of Arts in Teaching) and MSW@USC (Master of Social Work) programs are thought to be among the first to offer comprehensive access to recorded lectures, course content, videos, and social networking features via a mobile app.

“Integrating mobile technology into the Rossier School’s online learning management system was a natural next step,” says Karen Symms Gallagher, PhD, dean of the Rossier School of Education. “We think having quick access to multimedia course content is something more and more students at universities will come to expect in the future.”

Similar to the programs’ iPhone/iPad app, the new Android app features interfaces that allow students to do the following:

• view recorded lectures and course materials, including lessons, documents, and videos;

• find and connect with other classmates in their program;

• interact with their professors and other students;

• receive notifications of upcoming live sessions and assignment due dates;

• participate and post photographs, documents, and videos in socially created communities; and

• take cloud-synched notes that sync across mobile and Web systems.

The new app can be downloaded from the Android Market on any Web-enabled Android phone. Only students enrolled in the MAT@USC and MSW@USC programs via the schools’ online learning platforms can log in and use its features.

— Source: University of Southern California

EmFinders Marks 100th Rescue Milestone

EmFinders, makers of a cellular-based emergency locator system, has announced that it has enabled the 100th rescue of a missing person. The company’s wristwatch-style device, called the EmSeeQ, integrates directly with the E911 emergency response system, helping local rescue teams recover lost people nationwide. The 100th rescue took place in Hemet, CA, near Riverside.

A 73-year-old man with Alzheimer’s disease, who was wearing an EmFinders emergency locator device, was reported missing from his home on February 13. The device was activated and reported its location to the Riverside Sheriff’s Department. Officials were able to quickly find the man and return him safely to his home.

"The EmSeeQ device was activated and placed a 911 call at 5:54 am," says Sgt. James Rayls of the Riverside Sheriff's Department. "We located the missing person at 6:05 am. We were extremely impressed with the rapid response, which not only helped us quickly locate the missing individual but eliminated the need to call in additional resources, such as search dogs and helicopters."

Used by caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia as well as by parents of children with autism, EmFinders devices provide peace of mind by ensuring that a wandering loved one can be quickly located using cellular location technology. The device is an effective safety measure throughout the country and works virtually anywhere cell phone service is available.

The device can work inside structures or in areas in which there is GPS signal interference. To activate a search, caregivers call 911, receiving a case number from emergency officials, and then call EmFinders toll-free so that the company can activate the device. The national E911 emergency location system then allows local rescuers to receive an accurate location via advanced cellular signal triangulation technology.

For more information, visit www.emfinders.com.