O2 Media’s Morning Show “The Balancing Act” Features: Wireless Learning from Qualcomm

Dec. 6, 2010 - PRLog -- Contact:        
Limor Windt
O2 Media, Inc.
limor@o2mediainc.com
(954) 691-1102

Most teachers and administrators see mobile phones as disruptive to the learning process.  In fact, most schools impose some sort of restriction on mobile phone use to prevent texting and game-playing during class.  However, Qualcomm Incorporated believes that wireless connectivity via mobile phones could be a key to improved learning.  Tune in to “The Balancing Act” December 7th at 7:00 am (ET/PT) on Lifetime Television to hear Shawn Covell from Qualcomm discuss the company’s Wireless Reach initiative and how they are working to change the face of education.

Qualcomm is currently engaged in a global effort to promote communication, education, health care access and entrepreneurship through connectivity.  Their Wireless Reach initiative began back in 2006 and now includes 56 projects in 28 countries.  One project, Project K-Nect, was launched in collaboration with Digital Millennial Consulting and  has introduced smart phones into American classrooms.  For two years now, students at schools in North Carolina have been using the phones to interact with teachers and other students as they work on solutions to Algebra problems.  The results have been astounding, with students showing an increase in proficiency as high as 30% when compared to classes not participating in the project.

“We are seeing improved engagement as students use mobile devices to learn the subject matter in a social way - they no longer do their homework in isolation,” said Shawn Covell, vice president of Government Affairs for Qualcomm.  “Qualcomm believes that mobile technology has an important role to play in equipping students and teachers with 24/7 access to learning communities, and we are fortunate to have the  opportunity to introduce this concept to The Balancing Act viewers, showing them how beneficial it has been for students in North Carolina.”

Studies indicate that 75% of all American teens ages 12-17 own a mobile phone, but many don’t own a laptop and may not have an internet connection in their home.  Using mobile phones for learning seems to be a viable solution, especially given the positive results Project K-Nect has shown.  Today’s kids are accustomed to connecting socially via the phone, so it makes sense that they would benefit from mobile education.

“Having Shawn Covell on ‘The Balancing Act’ has brought yet another solution to viewers, one that will have a real impact,” says Doug Campbell, Founder and Executive VP of Programming for The Balancing Act.  “This is the essence of solutions-based programming and we are proud that we could deliver such an innovative concept to our audience.”

For more information, go to http://www.qualcomm.com/citizenship/wireless_reach/index.....

About The Balancing Act: The TV show airs on Lifetime Television at 7:00am (ET/PT) - and is America’s premier morning show that’s about women, for women, and trusted by women. Celebrating life and all there is to accomplish, The Balancing Act inspires and empowers with entertaining and educational segments, placing women in the best position to achieve success in every area of their lives. For information or to view a show, visit http://www.TheBalancingAct.com.  For more details about The Balancing Act, LLC please visit parent company O2 Media Inc. at www.o2mediainc.com.  

Follow The Balancing Act on www.facebook.com/TheBalancingActFans, www.twitter.com/BalancingActTV, and www.youtube.com/thebalancingact.

Qualcomm is a registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.  Wireless Reach is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.