College students tackle gun and knife crime with mobile technology

A South London college has showcased the results of a campaign to address gun and knife crime with the use of mobile technology – one of the first projects of its kind to be funded by The Mobile Learning Network (MoLeNET) and supported by key technology partners, Steljes and Vodafone. 

With performances and presentations on the growing problem of gun and knife crime in this country held at City Hall last night, attended by Ray Lewis, Deputy Mayor for Young People, the innovative collaboration, called LIFEWISE, involves over 200 young people from South Thames College and six secondary schools across the London Borough of Wandsworth. 

The project also included the use of innovative handheld technology, provided by technology pioneering organisation, Steljes - as part of its Anytime proposition – along with partners Vodafone, Wildkey and M-learning.mobi.

The 200 state-of-the-art Vodafone v1615 handsets, including unlimited mobile data access and safe search capabilities together with additional software and support, were used by students to enable them work collaboratively on producing digital content such video clips, music, interviews and images.

“Handheld technology has allowed the pupils to work together on this project, regardless of where they are – whether in different locations or even different schools,” explains Chris Nash, Mobile Learning Consultant at Steljes.

“Anytime Learning is about enhancing the learning experience by extending the school walls to wherever the pupils are and whenever the work is done.

"This in turn streamlines communications and allows students to share their work and ideas and to forge a more collaborative way of learning and working.”

LIFEWISE has seen students working together on a range of curriculum-based projects, including music, performing arts, media, business studies, art and design and health and social care, to explore and highlight solutions to the increasing problem of violent crime.

The result has been a theatre production, a professionally-mastered CD of music incorporating anti-violent lyrics written, mixed and produced by the students, video promos, and an action plan to tackle social cohesion problems that can contribute to violent crime.

With handheld technology at the heart of the project, the experience has been even more compelling, especially for those students not physically in the same location. 

Mary Zinovieff, Head of Creative Industries and 14-16 Programmes at South Thames College, added: “This project marks a really positive step in our drive to raise awareness amongst young people and promote positive lifestyle choices and greater social engagement.

“The students have been given a voice to actively contribute to the debate and propose relevant, creative strategies for tackling an issue that has touched many of our young people personally.

"The unique element of this project is that it is completely student-led, by the students for the students.”