A U.S. university is requiring students to get a web enabled
audio-video player, and suggesting Apple's iPod and iPhone products for
the task at hand.
The Missouri School of Journalism
says that the decision will come into affect with the fall 2009
semester, and that all incoming freshmen journalism and pre-journalism
students will be required to get such devices.
"This requirement is best met by purchasing the Apple
iPod Touch, which has all the features the Missouri School of Journalism intends to
implement to achieve its academic objectives and those of its
students. There are alternatives to the iPod Touch, but none that we
consider equally capable."
University Associate Dean
Brian Brooks claims there has been some research that shows if students
can hear a lecture for a second time, they will retain three times as much of that lecture.
"Lectures are the worst possible learning format," says Brooks. Well, maybe they are, the way they do them.
School officials claim the iPhone and iPod Touch are a better choice
than Microsoft's Zune player or RIM's BlackBerry phones. They offer a
wider variety of features and functionality, apparently.
More here.