At MCW, mobile devices are an integral part of clinical education. We strive to provide all of our students with the best tools and training possible, and since students are moving quickly between classrooms, laboratories, hospitals, and clinics, much of the learning takes place on-the-go. Therefore the technology needs to be mobile as well. For undergraduate medical education, students are equipped with Apple devices. At the beginning of their junior year, students are given iPod Touches. Since the IS department supports all Apple devices, iPhones and iPads are also acceptable. These devices provide quick access to reference materials at the point of care as well as access to the website for tracking clinical experiences throughout each clerkship.
MCW has also launched an iTunes U site, which houses instructional audio and video files that can be downloaded easily to Apple devices and consumed on-the-go. In general, the technology has become essential to creating a rich blend of mobile, online, classroom, and bedside instruction.
The Office of Educational Services manages the annual process of researching, procuring, distributing, and training with regard to mobile technology for medical education.