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University handing out iPhones to freshmen

by Brett Terpstra Feb 27th 2008 at 9:30AM

Abilene Christian University is announcing a pilot program to provide an iPhone or iPod touch to every new student. At first glance, I found myself wondering: if some colleges are providing MacBooks with tuition, doesn't an iPhone seem like a less-expensive attempt to lure new blood? Upon further consideration, I think there are some distinct advantages to a pocket-sized device in a learning environment. From constant connectivity to ultra-portability, it could provide a means for every student to access learning materials any time, from any place.

ACU has obviously considered this, and then some. With apparently well-coordinated plans to take advantage of the devices – including podcasts, mobile-accessible class materials, active-learning strategies and a re-focusing of the campus media – they're preparing to take maximum advantage of the iPhone/iPod touch possibilities. If it's a gimmick, it sure seems like a useful, well-thought-out one. For more information, case studies and future plans, take a peek at the ACU Mobile Learning page.



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Abilene Christian University is announcing a pilot program to provide an iPhone or iPod touch to every new student. At first glance, I...
 

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mark

FreshMEN. Plural of fresh-man is fresh-men, same way you pluralize man and men.

Unless one kid is getting thousands of 'phones. ^_^

February 28 2008 at 1:02 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to mark's comment
Brett Terpstra

So true. I definitely need to double-proof when writing pieces at 4 in the morning...

February 28 2008 at 1:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
paul

What a waste of money. As if tuition isn't expensive enough already.

February 27 2008 at 12:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
vincentreusch

Amen to Saxon's comment. The title "handing out" is a bit misleading. I once taught at a school that implemented a mandatory IBM Thinkpad policy, the cost of leasing tacked on to tuition, the dean telling us "professors/instructors" that we should find uses for the computer in the classroom. In other words, he was telling us to create a need to justify the policy, a policy clearly aimed directly at marketing, attracting students, and then spun as an educational enhancement.

February 27 2008 at 12:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Saxon

So essentially they're forcing you to buy an iphone to attend school.

February 27 2008 at 11:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rich Facial

Are they loaded with Christian Rock?!?!

February 27 2008 at 11:15 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Nathaniel Schweinberg

I just watched the video...if they could actually achieve the amount of integration they are portraying, higher education will be revolutionized from the student's viewpoint

February 27 2008 at 11:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Nathaniel Schweinberg

I wish FSU would do that...for upperclassmen =p

February 27 2008 at 10:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
artifex

If they're giving iPhones to students, is it possible they're acting as a reseller for AT&T, and getting residuals from the service contracts students sign?

February 27 2008 at 10:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Coolish

The video they did is VERY cool! http://www.acu.edu/connected.

It shows how they want to use it in the classroom. I wish my classrooms were like that.

February 27 2008 at 10:28 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mimi

As a prof I guess I am not so happy with some students ability to cheat more efficiently.

February 27 2008 at 9:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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