iSpot going mobile

The iSpot app
(preview of the
forthcoming upgrade)

With mobile devices (smart phones, tablets, pads and pods) becoming increasingly widespread, more and more people are accessing digital resources via apps and mobile-optimised websites. To explore this trend in the natural history context, the Communicate conference ran a session entitled "Apps for Engagement" (Wednesday 24 October 2012), at which I gave a brief presentation on iSpot's approach to engaging with its mobile audience. Here are some links relating to that presentation.

• iSpot itself
• The iSpot app (Android only at present, and currently in a beta stage, next upgrade due soon)
• Some background to the app development, from Will Woods:
• Summary of the iSpot app project on Will's blog
• A recent presentation on the app project
• A more detailed paper outlining the app development process
• The iSpot identification keys website, optimised for mobile use

To find out more and get updates on iSpot developments follow iSpot on Twitter or contact iSpot direct.

Credits: the development of the iSpot app has been led by Will Woods and Richard Greenwood, of the Institute of Educational Technology at The Open University, with input from other members of the iSpot team, and valuable feedback from people who have tested the app in its early stages. The iSpot keys project has been led by Jon Rosewell, of The Faculty of Mathematics, Computing and Technology at The Open University.