An innovative marketing company is making strides into the further education sector after signing up several colleges and universities.

TextBlue has teamed up with Guildford College to use Bluetooth technology in the library to support student communications and broadcast information about events.

And teachers from several colleges around the country, including Mid Kent College and Portsmouth Highbury College, are looking to use the devices to deliver homework assignments to students while they are in the classroom.

TextBlue MD Quinton Watton-Smith said: "Bluetooth technology has been used by various companies and organisations to contact potential customers and members of the public, but it hasn't yet been utilised fully in the education sector.

"Our devices can broadcast anything, from ringtones and wallpapers to videos, to any Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone within 100m.

"We believe it can be used to engage with students and young people in a new way, as has been shown by the University of Kent."

The partnerships have been organised in conjunction with the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), a Government-funded agency which provides support for e-learning across the post-16 sector.

Adam Blackwood is E-Advisor Teaching and Learning at JISC's Regional Support Centre in the South East.

He said: "Colleges and universities are attracted to the Bluetooth technology because it enhances student communications.

"We have encouraged colleges and other educational organisations to examine the technology because of its versatility.

"It enables them to inform and enhance the student learning experience, as well as advertising special events and open days."

The technology is also in use at Southgate College, and The University of Northampton.