mCommunity will develop, apply and evaluate IT systems developed by Waterford Institute of Technology to re-engage NEETs (those Not in Education Employment or Training) and support SME growth, in parallel with the development and evaluation of the human strategies and protocols. For both groups, the use of mobile technology & instant messaging will be piloted and tested. Project Aims • Develop a teaching and learning model based on mobile technology and the Z-platform - the mCommunity• Support NEETs into employment, education or training• Evaluate the use of mobile technology to improve business performance of SMEs Project Objectives •Develop a Z based application to support NEETs into employment and education•Establish the pedagogy of the virtual community•Develop Individual Learning Plan capabilty to support the use of the Z platform•Identify NEET participants for the trials and volunteers to act as mentors•Develop project website•Develop the mCommunity to create positive social networks•Broaden the communications network for NEETs to encourage interaction with other groups•Integrate the Z application with existing instant messaging systems•Integrate the Z platform with Web 2.0 services•Establish suitable areas for SME business development usng Z platform•Develop the Z platform for SME support requirements•Evaluate the inclusion of NEETs and SMEs in a virtual community for their mutual benefit•Test Z platform on multiple mobile devices•Trial and evaluate the Z platform with real users via mobile technology•Adapt / enhance the platform according to feedback during the trials•Develop and trial learning materials for NEETs and SMEs•Improve the self-esteem of NEETs via the achievement of accredited qualifications•Incorporate adjustments to the platform in response to trial results•Investigate the potential work placement opportunities with the SMEs for NEETs engaged with the project•Identify employment, education or training opportunities for NEETs•Develop a Welsh version of the interface to the Z platform Achievements: The mCommunity project has developed a mobile app for teaching and learning based on the Moodle Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) with an individual learning and planning tool (eILP) and facilities to incorporate instant messaging and social media functionality. .mCommunity was originally a 3 year project which began in July 2010 and due to its success, has recently been extended until May 2015. The project uses mobile technology including smartphones and tablet devices as a mechanism to improve engagement of those Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs) through the combination of one-to-one support from a dedicated mTutor and the delivery of learning, skills and qualifications to improve employment and education opportunities. The project has also used the same technology to aid staff development and improve access to courses and learning within businesses through tailored support for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs).- See more at: http://www.mcommunity.org.uk/