Duke and its use of iPods

Duke University began distributing iPods last fall to students to use in certain classes. The students eligible for these devices were enrolled in classes that had been approved by the universities Center for Instructional Technology (CIT). There were 11 classes that participated in the Fall and 17 in the Spring. The devices were given to the recipients pre-loaded with orientation material.

They were given to the students with the hope that they would learn to incorporate the use of technology in their studies. Fortunately they were successful as many were using them for things like gathering field notes, conducting interviews, podcasting or audio blogging.

The major convenience of utilizing the iPods is that the students have more access to their assignments and make mobility much easier.

I think I may use an iPod in my own classroom one day. I will not be done with school for another two years so by then there may be even more advantages to using the device alongside my lesson plans.