New App Expands Distance Learning, Making the Classroom Truly Mobile

PHOENIX, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Phoenix, the nation's largest private university, is offering its students a new way to participate in the online classroom with the PhoenixMobile App for iPhone and iPod touch. Available today on the App Store, the PhoenixMobile App goes beyond the campus maps or lecture downloads available from many higher education institutions, to enable University of Phoenix students the ability to move seamlessly between the online classroom and their mobile phone.  

Students can now turn on-the-go time into learning time by participating in classroom discussions, completing assignments and even being alerted the moment their grades are posted.

"We're using technology to make education more personalized, more social, and more accessible than ever," said Michael White, chief technology officer for University of Phoenix. "The majority of our students are working learners – balancing school along with job and family responsibilities – and they do most of their school work in the online classroom between 9 PM and 2 AM. Our new PhoenixMobile provides them with more options, more balance and a better learning experience."

A History of Innovation

University of Phoenix has been driving innovations in higher education for more than 30 years - from a steady focus on working learners to becoming the first university to provide degrees online.

"Over the past 20 years, college students have evolved," said Dr. Bill Pepicello, president, University of Phoenix. "Indeed, 73 percent of today's higher education populace is comprised of college students who have outside factors competing for their time such as a career or raising a family. For busy students who are juggling work, life and school, the PhoenixMobile App makes it easier to be present and engaged wherever and whenever it is convenient for them."

Take the Classroom with You

University of Phoenix continues to create ways to provide broad access to a quality education. With the PhoenixMobile App students will be able to:

• Participate in discussion forums;
• Draft and post to discussion threads, and reply to other students' posts;
• View, edit and save drafts of discussion comments created on the eCampus website;
• View message flags, discussion questions and class announcements;
• Receive real-time alerts when grades are posted and when the instructor posts new information.

Availability

The PhoenixMobile App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. As the flagship university of  Apollo Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

Media Contacts:
University of Phoenix Media Hotline
602.254.0086
media@phoenix.edu

SOURCE University of Phoenix