Mobile Systems Fundamentals
2011-2012 - IMT2551 - 5 ECTS

On the basis of

The course will assume knowledge and experience with web standards at the level of IMT1291 Web design.

Expected learning outcomes

  • After completing this course, the students shall have an understanding of the basic theories behind ubiquitous computing and context-aware systems, have experienced a range of devices that are broadly available and be able to use mobile systems in the context of media production, design, collection and social interaction.
  • Students should also be able to use mobile devices in the collection, description, transportation and presentation of data and be proficient in developing text-based as well as audio and visual content for these devices using open web-centric markup languages and formats.
  • The students will also be able to evaluate to what extent the different systems, platforms, programs, formats and protocols are suited for project work in other courses and includes topics like security, design, color, production, game, user interface and universal design and programming.
  • The course will prepare bachelor and master students for extending their work with mobile devices and systems in other courses like informatics/programming, media design, media production and media technology but within the limits of what the individual course will allow.

Topic(s)

Mobile Fundamentals:

  •  The history and nature of the mobile devices
  •  Ubiquitous Computing and context-aware systems and the importance of sensors
  •  Categories and attributes of key systems and devices
  •  Mobile solutions - Sustainability and the environment
  •  Mobile solutions - Platforms for business
  •  Mobile solutions - In medical and social contexts

Mobile Media Technology in classic design and publishing:

  •  Universal Design and UI design as it applies to mobile devices
  •  Web standards relevant to content design on small screens
  •  Open document formats - XHTML, ePub, PDF suitable for mobile systems

Mobile Media Technology in dynamic content production:

  •  Recording data and metadata using a mobile devices
  •  Production conciderations for dynamic content on mobile devices
  •  Dynamic distribution formats, protocols and services

Teaching Methods

Lectures
Laboratory work
Net Support Learning
Mandatory assignments
Project work

Teaching Methods (additional text)

Student will work individually to solve exercises throughout the course, but will also be required to provide constructive feedback to their peers in order to qualify for the final exam.

Lecture notes, e-lectures and other types of e-learning material will be offered through Fronter. Communication between the teachers and the students, and among the students, will be facilitated through Fronter.

Form(s) of Assessment

Written exam, 3 hours
Evaluation of Project(s)

Form(s) of Assessment (additional text)

  •  Assessment of two project reports and peer comments (40%)
  •  Written exam (60%)
  •  Each part must be individually approved of.

Grading Scale

Alphabetical Scale, A(best) – F (fail)

External/internal examiner

The course will have internal and external examiners both on projects and written exam.

Re-sit examination

None.

Examination support

English translation dictionary.

Teaching Materials

The course literature will be paper-based or electronic and be determined at a later date.

Other support-material will include:

  •  Lecture notes
  •  Context awareness, http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~anind/context.html
  •  ePub format, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EPUB
  •  Mobile computing, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_computing
  •  Ubiquitous Computing, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubiquitous_computing
  •  Library of Congress on sustainable file formats, http://www.digitalpreservation.gov/formats/
  •  Web standards and formats, http://www.w3.org/

Additional information

The course will require access to a smartphone or a tablet device that includes a web browser and supports the current web standards and open formats. GUC have a few devices that the students may borrow, but for the best possible learning outcome the students are asked to bring their own devices.