Some schools are giving away free Apple iPhones and internet-
ready iPods to students. These universities could use these
devices to send messages about classes, delays, crises, and even
allow online research and instant polling in classes. And do not
forget—hook a new generation of consumers to Apple products.
Like Duke University in 2004 which gave away free iPods to its
incoming freshman class to foster effective use of new
technology in higher education, universities such as University
of Maryland, Oklahoma Christian University, Abilene Christian,
and Freed-Hardeman hope that the iPhones and iPods will change
the classroom for the better. However, some professors are
balking at the possibility of students becoming distracted in
class with the internet-capable devices and not participating.
Duke’s program evolved into the Duke Digital Initiative (DDI)
and modified its program in 2005 to give only iPods to students
enrolled in classes that use the device to enhance classroom
materials. Students began from me