WHETHER YOU ARE A MOBILE UNIT TEAM of doctors, educators, or military personnel, the internet is the perfect tool to assist in meeting the unique needs of a mission. Many units have already discovered the benefit of accessisng information in real time and sharing information while in remote locations.

Nothing can be more frustrating than to be in a remote location and require information that is not available. Missions have to be delayed while the required information or specialist is called upon. With the advent of the computer and internet age, authoritative internet sites can substitute and provide the necessary information. Although there is additional equipment for a mobile unit to transport in order to have internet access, it enables the units to consolidate information on authoritative websites, minimize the paper files required, space for the paper files and specialists required.

Many effective companies already share information between offices. This is commonly referred to as knowledge management. The need to share timely information becomes more critical when there is a detachment of people sent to a remote location. The ability to connect to the office or other resources via the internet allows the people to correspond, supply input to daily office work, and provide timely information about the remote location. As in the example below, sometimes it can save lives.

Example
Besim Kadriu is just one example of sucessfully sharing information on the internet. Last year he called Mitrovica, Kosovo home. Although he may still consider it home, he was stripped of not only his house, belongings and some family members but came close to death when he was shot in the face. His life was spared but he was stripped of his nose and right eye. He was fortunate to run across an American doctor, Dr. Clay, who was part of the initial aid with KFOR peacekeeping force. He was able to transmit pictures and information to a team of doctors in Manchester, UK. Once the team of doctors reviewed the pictures, they were able to create a plan for reconstructing Besim's. After several surgeries, the doctors were successful and Besim is recovering

American Telemedicine Association: for internet sites about telemedicine.
National Imagery and Mapping Agency: for timely and accurate nautical chart information.
Planet IT: for the latest information on mobile computing.

Laura Boran
Graduate Student, San Diego State University, Department of Educational Technology