Teaching mobile solution development in a global context: Comparing solutions proposed by students in the developed and developing world

This paper presents and reflects on the different approaches of teaching mobile solution development at Pace University in the US and in different universities in Senegal in the last three years. The evolution of the objectives, contents, and targeted mobile technologies of the different courses are described based on our lessons learned and the state-of-the-art technologies and practices used in the industry. Students developed mobile solutions aimed at improving life on campus in the US and in Senegal, sometimes collaboratively. These initiatives permitted us to do a cross-cultural exploration of what students saw themselves as needing and how mobile technology can meet these needs given the nature of the specific and local constraints of their institutions, infrastructures, and cultures. This paper summarizes the findings of this exploration and presents recommendations for faculty interested in teaching mobile solution development in a global context.