Walters State Community College has been named a 2012-13 Apple Distinguished Program for its mobile-learning initiative, according to a recent news release.

The Apple Distinguished Program designation is awarded by the Apple corporation, which is based in Cupertino, Calif. and manufactures popular products such as MacBook Pro laptop computers, iPad, iPhone, and iPod and other hardware devices and software applications.

The designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and demonstrate Apple's vision of exemplary learning environments.

"The selection of Walters State as an Apple Distinguished Program highlights the successes of our faculty, staff and governing board in enhancing and extending teaching and learning with thoughtful and innovative implementations of technology," said Dr. Wade B. McCamey, president of Walters State.

Over two years ago, each academic division at Walters State developed a plan to use mobile devices and software apps as learning tools in the classroom.

"Since a majority of our students were already using mobile devices to access information anytime and anywhere, we determined that their educational experience should be no different," said Dr. Lori Campbell, vice president for Academic Affairs at Walters State.

Walters State faculty members are using over 60 different apps in nearly every subject area to engage students.

The college has made iPads available to students through iPad carts used in classrooms as well as iPads that can be checked out in the library.

"Mobile devices and apps are powerful and dynamic learning tools, and they increase student engagement with course content," said Campbell.

Most importantly, the college has realized a 10 to 25 percent increase in student learning through the use of mobile technologies in the classroom.

"Walters State's mobile-learning initiative has proven to be an effective method for increasing student success and engagement," said McCamey.