Monday, March 21, 2011

As programmers can attest, programming on a phone is different than programming on a desktop because of the limited screen size, tiny or no keyboard, limited memory and battery life. Having the actual phones to work on, instead of just the computer simulators, makes a world of difference.

Through a donation from Verizon Wireless of 20 Android phones, students at the University of North Carolina Wilmington are gaining hands-on experience in developing real-world smart phone applications. The students are in visiting professor Richard Chapman's computer science class, "Mobile Phone Software Development: Google Android."

"Users interact with a phone in a different way than they interact with a computer… so it's important to see the applications on the phones. It also helps students be more creative," Chapman said. And these students are definitely getting creative.

Graduate student Andy Herrmann is writing a Japanese handwriting recognition application.
"Mobile phone technology has been advancing by leaps and bounds in the past few years and it's exciting to be a part of that by learning the Android OS," he said. "UNCW has knowledgeable professors and great resources for someone like me interested in the technology."

Joe Healy, another student in the class, is writing an automated version of room condition reports for Android phones that can be used by UNCW's Housing and Residence Life office, eliminating what is currently a huge paper trail. "In addition to saving money, time and trees, the app also will utilize the phone's onboard camera, allowing the housing office to document any damage to university property."

The Wilmington area also stands to benefit from the class's work. Carolina Beach State Park has requested that the class develop an automated tour guide using the GPS in the phone, and the City of Wilmington has requested an application for reporting weather-related emergency concerns by city employees.

Another perk: Verizon Wireless donated 5 different phone varieties, so that the students could gain experience with different sizes and shapes of the Android platform. While Chapman's students previously had access to computer simulators, working directly with the Android phones has been instrumental in allowing them to test their applications on actual phones.

"Much of the innovation and progress we have seen in the wireless industry over the years is a direct result of education, creativity and experimentation similar to what we see happening here. It's a great partnership that is sure to benefit the students, this community and the wireless industry," said Jerry Fountain, Verizon Wireless Carolinas and Tennessee Region President.

UNCW and Verizon Wireless have partnered on other mobile initiatives in the past. In 2007, faculty startup company Mobile Education LLC worked with Verizon to identify the growing need for improved text message services on campus. Ron Vetter, computer science professor and co-founder of Mobile Education, notes, "Student use of text messaging has soared in recent years due in part to improved wireless services on campus."

Debra Saunders-White, vice chancellor of UNCW's Information Technology Systems Division, adds, "UNCW strives to ensure that the technology services we provide are relevant and instrumental to the teaching and learning mission of our institution."

Media contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.508.3127 or fischettid@uncw.edu