The University of Southern California (USC) Rossier School of Education (MAT@USC) and USC School of Social Work (Online MSW) web-based graduate programs have released a new mobile application that allows students to access multi-media course content and intra-school social networks, all from their Android smart phone. The launch follows the introduction of a similar iPhone/iPad app on iTunes last year.   

While some higher education institutions offer select mobile technology or online classes to students, the MAT@USC (Master of Arts in Teaching) and Online MSW (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,” said Karen Symms Gallagher, dean of the USC Rossier School of Education. “We think having quick access to multi-media course content is something more and more students at universities will come to expect in the future.”

“We’re definitely pushing the technology envelope with this new mobile app,” said Paul Maiden, vice dean at the USC School of Social Work. “Our Online MSW students are located all over the country on different time zones and have demanding work schedules. Having access to lectures and assignments on your phone takes the idea of mobile learning to a whole new level.”

The MAT@USC and Online MSW graduate degree programs are offered via a highly advanced web-based learning management system that uses robust social networking platforms and face-to-face, “Skype-like” interactive technology to create a real-time, personal classroom experience. The programs’ students are based throughout the United States and the world. 

Similar to the programs’ iPhone/iPad app, the new Android app features visually impressive, yet easy-to-navigate interfaces that allow students to:

• 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 students 
• Receive notifications of upcoming live sessions and assignment due dates
• Participate and post photographs, documents and videos in socially-created communities
• Take cloud-synced notes that sync across mobile and web systems

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