Taking advantage of increasingly ubiquitous mobile technologies, the USC School of Social Work's MSW@USC program has released a new, iOS platform-based iPad and iPhone application that allows students to access its online learning platform anytime, anywhere.

The MSW@USC is the Master of Social Work program offered via the Virtual Academic Center, a highly advanced web-based platform that uses social networks and face-to-face, "Skype-like" interactive technology to conduct courses and connect students, who are based all across the United States.

Using Apple's iOS mobile operating system, the iPad and iPhone application allows MSW@USC students to access all course work and information on-the-go – including pre-recorded videos – and interact with fellow students and faculty, while taking full advantage of other iOS user interface benefits.

"Integrating mobile capability is a logical next step for our MSW@USC program," said Paul Maiden, vice dean and professor at the USC School of Social Work. "Our students are based all over the country and have demanding schedules that require flexibility, mobility and quick access to coursework and faculty."

The mobile application allows students to:

•View course materials, including lessons, documents and videos
•Find and connect with other members of their program
•Interact with colleagues and instructors through the posting of photographs, documents and videos
•Receive notifications of upcoming live sessions and assignment due dates
•Participate in socially-created communities
•Take content-specific notes.