Presentation on mobile technology at AMEE 2010

Using smartphones to support veterinary projects in East Africa

Background
Recent developments in smartphones and the Android operating system provide a powerful new mobile platform. In Africa, this has the potential to transform access to information and enhance sharing of knowledge in the most remote areas.

Summary of work
An initial pilot project adapted the Google Open Data Kit running on G1 mobile phones to collect cattle disease data in Zanzibar. The devices were also used to communicate through voice, blogs, text, email and twitter. Subsequently a larger project is testing the use of this system to deliver educational video, wikis and text to rural users.

Summary of results
Initial results indicate that smartphones are seen as an easier way of collecting, accessing and sharing information in the field.

Conclusions
There are many opportunities to use smartphones in the developing world to support health services

Take-home message
The open source Android operating system and more affordable handsets has the potential to transform mobile learning.