What is it about Apple’s iPhone that makes it the one always in the news? The phrase iPhoneU rolls off the tongue, but BlackberryU? Falls flat. Maybe it is something like iPhones are from Venus, the others are from Mars. One is engineered, one is designed? Whatever it is, in the role of picking/developing applications for a community it is important to look for that Apple mojo in the solution.
Abilene Christian University made headlines last fall with their rollout of iPhone/iPod touches to all incoming freshman. Backed by a suite of lifestyle (Mobile ACU) and learning tools (Nano — no advanced notice) I am sure it is well received. Is this a gimmick? — certainly a little. Is it a flash in the pan? Sure. Technology is changing so rapidly that todays devices and applications will look crude by the time these students graduate. Is it a worthwhile use of limited school resources? Time will tell, but I think yes. The tool these students use in five years will be different, but the skills learned in communication, experimentation, and the always on aspect of the interconnected mobile space will serve them well. Helped along by that Apple mojo.
Joe Hewitts iUi – code.google.com/p/iui
Cool Tools – www.cio.com/article/462313
iPhoneU – www.cio.com/article/452714
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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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