Melbourne College May Give iPad To Every Student 350
daria42 writes "It looks like Apple's hyped iPad tablet may find a functional use beyond the early technology adopter set. In Australia, a Melbourne University college recently completed a trial where a limited number of students were given an iPad to aid in their studies. The outcome? The college has now recommended every student be given one of the Apple devices, following in the footsteps of the University of Adelaide, which is handing out iPads to every first year science student. Sure beats lugging around the old textbooks!"
hrmmm. (Score:3, Interesting)
I hope there is an opt out and get a tuition discount option.
Does apple give kickbacks or bulk rate on things like this? Perhaps an apple holy warrior happens to be in charge.
Re:"80% attachment is extremely high" (Score:4, Interesting)
It's a shiny gadget*, of course they'll say yes. The fact that 20% said "no" really means that more like 90% would have said no if they were paying for it themselves (and of the 10% who say "yes", 90% of them will be getting a big allowance from rich parents).
{*} Too shiny in fact. Is it really just me who can't see anything but reflected lights on iPod screens?
Re:Wow... Yet more Apple bashing. (Score:5, Interesting)
Interactivity? I have heard great things (not specifically about iPads) about the benefits of increased of student-teacher interactivity and feedback using computer devices. Traditionally in a class a teacher asks a question and one person answers. If everyone has a wireless device then everyone can submit an answer and the teacher can get a much better idea of how well the subject matter is understood and what they need to put more work into.
An iPad might not exactly be open but there is much more room for innovative and useful education techniques to emerge than with a kindle.