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Company: Maad Ltd
Project: Single Point Control System

http://courses.maadserver.com/

Dates: Aug 2007 to Apr 2008

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How did the project start?

The project started with the need for Gateshead schools to supply pupils with a cost effective IT based learning tool. We built a prototype system which lead onto a full scale development

What options did you consider?

We considered laptops, PDAs and PDA based Mobile Phones, and examined the available software to see what would be appropriate for use in schools, as well as which operating system to work with.

What help and expertise did you receive?

We worked with a number of hardware and software suppliers, and decided to standardize on one hardware device, but after talking with all the software suppliers, decided that one was able to provide the functionality of working with Wi-Fi and 3G / GPRS to send courses to pupils and receive results.

Did you face any challenges or learn any lessons?

We faced challenges with the mobile networks, some networks proxy the data, and our software would not work unless the server could be directly seen by the client. We also learnt – never work with Children or Animals! Some of the phones we supplied were rapidly destroyed, be it by dropping the devices or damaging the touch sensitive screens.

What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?

The system we have built works in that it allows teachers to develop courses for children and see their answers in real time. The system was launched in London at the 2007 handheld learning conference and has been piloted in one school. It is now ready for release.

What are your plans for the future?

We plan to increase the number of question types available to teachers, and increase functionality through use of other hardware in the phones such as cameras and GPS.