Cambrian College takes app to the next level

Cambrian College was the first Ontario college to launch an app for iPhone back in September 2010. Now, the college is taking the technology to the next level.

Cambrian College president Sylvia Barnard introduced the college's new mobile website, iCambrian app, and three augmented reality (AR) games during an official launch Oct. 14.

“By being one of the first, if not the first, college to be launching some of these techniques and reaching out to students we think we're situating ourselves well to be able to attract students from all over the province to come to Cambrian,” Barnard said.

By downloading the app, students and faculty staff can access a variety of information including sports events, campus news, tours and Cambrian's YouTube channel.

“If you have an iPod, iPad or iPhone, you can get apps, and it's with you all the time regardless of where you are,” Stephanie Turcotte, president of Students' Administrative Council (SAC) at Cambrian College, said.

“As a student, you can benefit from having the campus maps, log onto student 411, and seeing if your classes have been cancelled. As staff, I use it to check my email.”

During the launch, students provided live demonstrations of three new AR games, which include basketball and hockey shootouts, where users try to get as many goals as possible before the time runs out. Students that are able to “un-jumble” the viewbook puzzle are entered into a draw for a chance to win an iPad.

Computer Systems Technology student Shaun Bentzen, is in his third year at Cambrian, has been developing the app for almost two years along with the college's webmaster, Bruno Rocca.

“I looked at the apps that were being developed for colleges and said 'I could probably do that better,'” Bentzen said.

Cambrian's new app is available for download on iTunes.com.

Posted by Heidi Ulrichsen