University handing out iPhones to freshmen
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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FreshMEN. Plural of fresh-man is fresh-men, same way you pluralize man and men.
Unless one kid is getting thousands of 'phones. ^_^
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 Permalink rate up rate down ReplyWhat a waste of money. As if tuition isn't expensive enough already.
February 27 2008 at 12:49 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAmen 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 Permalink rate up rate down ReplySo essentially they're forcing you to buy an iphone to attend school.
February 27 2008 at 11:33 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAre they loaded with Christian Rock?!?!
February 27 2008 at 11:15 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI 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 Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI wish FSU would do that...for upperclassmen =p
February 27 2008 at 10:54 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIf 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 Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThe 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.
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 Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHot Apps on TUAW
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