The first wave of freshmen ipod giveaways at schools like Duke University met with mixed reviews. Maybe they were just a little ahead of the curve. In a new program launched this fall Abilene Christian University in Texas is giving freshmen either an iPhones or Ipod touch (with wireless access.) These devices do much more than just play audio files. One custom app, called mymobile, give students quick access to their course schedule along with a 3-d map of the campus with the classroom locations. Classes have resource sites with video clidps, PDF files, spreadsheets and other content again available on the mobile device. The university has elected to avoid proprietary Apple apps development in favor of web-based development that can be used on other mobile devices in the future.
They ran a pilot program in the fall of 2007 and had to beef up their network before the launch. It sounds like the initial reactions from students is quite positive. In addition to the University’s apps students can also install from the regular Apple apps store — it seems the facebook app is a big favorite.
Connection to their school work, professors, fellow students, and friends in the palm of their hands — who wouldn’t want it?
iPhones go to front of the class at Texas university – Network World
ACU created a bundle of Web-based mobile applications, rather than make use of Apple’s software developers kit. That gives the school the option of making use of other devices in the future, possibly a touch-based Android phone
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Randall Rode's online home for thoughts, notes, and experiments with a wide range of technology topics. Visit the about page for info on my recent projects and professional background. I welcome your comments!
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