Ryan Morgan currently serves as a consultant to housing at Penn State University on information technology issues and previously held the positions of assistant manager of Facilities, Manager of Assignments, and student manager of Conference Services. A proliferation is underway of new technologies that allow us to walk away from our traditional tools. The existing tools made up of boxes and monitors attached to cables are being enhanced by smaller, faster, and better methods of transferring information. But how can we utilize these technologies to make improvements in our areas of responsibility? What options are out there? How do we implement them? Join a session in which we discuss the opportunities available in existing and upcoming technologies. Experienced veterans and new professionals will discuss and share opportunities for immediate enhancements using existing tools and straightforward solutions. We will also consider various challenges facing participants and identify those combinations of devices and communications methods that will address those challenges. We’ve all heard lots of buzzwords, but what do they all mean?
The following areas will be defined and discussed:
Mobile devices
- PDAs (Palm, Blackberry, etc)
- Cell Phones
- Laptops
- Scanners (bar code, magnetic strip, etc)
Communications methods
- Wireless networks (WiFi, 802.11, etc)
- Short range radio (Bluetooth, RFID, Wireless USB)
- Cellular networks, SMS & other text messaging
- Satellite (GPS, HD and Digital Radio and TV)
Service Opportunities
- Staff functions such as maintenance, inspections, communications
- Mail and package handling
- Key issuance, check-in/out
- Room inspections
- Wireless internet for students and staff
- Laundry, gym, and study room availability
- Security (cameras, doors, emergency phones)
- Transportation service status