Duke University Students Receive iPods 308
DSLAMngu writes "Freshman students at Duke University received their complimentary/paid for (however you want to look at it) iPod portable music players on Thurday. This deal was previously mentioned on /. here. After waiting in line, I eventually got my Duke-engraved iPod at about 9:00 PM with the rest of the freshmen at Brown dorm. I've written about the experience at my blog, and also included a copy of the Program Agreement and some photos of what the students received."
A double whammy for comcast and the RIAA! (Score:5, Funny)
Smooth...
Re:A double whammy for comcast and the RIAA! (Score:5, Informative)
do not visit the website linked (DSLAM's blog) - it plays music.
You have been Informed.
Re:A double whammy for comcast and the RIAA! (Score:3, Funny)
Re:A double whammy for comcast and the RIAA! (Score:3, Interesting)
1. Tell firefox to start something other then xine for
2. Tell firefox to use mplayer and install the mplayer plugin for Firefox instead of using Xine for video.
Your web experience will eb a lot better for the cases you do run into such media again.
Xine is very cool, and I use it quite a bit, but it does not work well at all for web based media f
Re:A double whammy for comcast and the RIAA! (Score:3, Funny)
Secondly I know the numbers don't match up, but the second I change something, it breaks. Right now it ain't broke. So I ain't fixin'.
Thridly, mute.
Finally, yes, it's pretty well-established that I'm an idiot. Thanks.
Re:A double whammy for comcast and the RIAA! (Score:3, Funny)
Well if you were looking to get an entry into the interface hall of shame [libero.it] then you've certainly made a contender. I kind of assume you weren't looking to make a career of web design? If you were I'd start researching how food coupons work.
Blog web design (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Blog web design (Score:2)
Re:Blog web design (Score:5, Funny)
even it.slashdot.org is a relief after that.
Re:Blog web design (Score:2)
Re:Blog web design (Score:2)
Re:Blog web design (Score:2)
I'm arrogant enough to say that GAMES.slashdot.org is a breath of fresh air.
Simpsons Did It! (Score:2, Troll)
-- McBain
Rather appropriate for this guy's background.
Re:Blog web design (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Blog web design (Score:3, Insightful)
sigh.. i suppose i should expect this from a kid born in (2004-18...mind still numb from flashing gifs... ) 1986!
Re:Blog web design (Score:4, Insightful)
(Yes, that's right, there's supposedly a table before even the opening HTML tag.)
Re:It's a disease (Score:3, Interesting)
Usually violations of this guideline were minor, but I did see severe repea
And a word to the wise (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Blog web design (Score:3, Funny)
Guess he doesn't want anybody to read it... (Score:2)
I don't think I've backpedaled from a click so fast in years. Holy crap. I could feel my retinas withering from the "maximum offensiveness" color scheme, and someone was pounding my head with a guitar turned up to 11 at the same time. Lovely wake-up call, thanks.
Creative uses? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Creative uses? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Creative uses? (Score:2)
Why? (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Why? (Score:5, Insightful)
Don't think an iPod can be a tool for learning? How many song lyrics do you know reasonably well? Tens, hundreds, thousands? Why is that? Partly because the rhythm and meter of the music forms a repetitive framework in which you can fit the words. But mainly because you listen to ones you like over and over again.
Hey, 10 years ago I was doing a degree with the Open University in England - which is a distance learning setup. And part of the package was audio tapes.
Maybe Duke will manage to harness this potential for learning through hearing repeatedly, maybe they won't. But we don't progress unless someone tries it and reports back. (That could be a motto for slashdot!)
Re:Why? (Score:3, Insightful)
If your logic is people will listen to lecture notes again and again I figure perhaps you need to be modded funny?
I can see how you would come to that idea, but people listen to songs again an
Re:Why? (Score:5, Interesting)
Why so? You might not be prepared to do it, but don't assume everyone is like you.
I can see how you would come to that idea, but people listen to songs again and again because they like the music, not because they have an iPod.
And believe it or not, some people like to learn.
At the moment iPod's are a fad.
Just like the Walkman, and the portable cassette player before it, and the non-portable reel to reel before that, and the wire recording machine before that. Having the facility to playback audio in the most convenient way will never go out of fashion. - But perhaps you meant it's a fad to use them in education. But there was a language lab when I was at school, filled with tape recorders. And when I did my degree some of the material was handed out on cassette tape. So it's not even an idea without precursors there either.
But if that's the idea the university had, they're insane and it won't work. Whenever anything new is about to happen there are always naysayers that predict it will fail. It's better to say, "But we don't progress unless someone tries it and reports back."
BTW, You have a very low bar on your use of the word insane. I've met insane people, and they think up far weirder shit than using iPods in education I can assure you.
Re:Why? (Score:3, Insightful)
They read over lecture notes over and over and over again, they even read other peoples lecture notes in case they think they missed something. If you have the option to actually listen to the source of your notes to double check them and help with learning the material better then why wouldn't you?
This is not a suggestion that they will listen to them to relax or instead of music. This becomes a hell of a study a
Re:Why? (Score:2)
The first point is one of the reasons why iPods were not given to everyone at Duke--if it's a flop, the investment is a small cost. Everyone is confident it will be a success, though, so if the program is continued, eventually everyone will get an iPod by way of matriculating (iPod propagation, if you will).
Re:Why? (Score:5, Interesting)
I bought an iPod right before my senior year in college and let me tell you, that thing was great for my film music class! We had to listen to songs from somewhere from 50-100 CDs during the term and had to know them pretty well for the mid-term and final. We weren't expected to own the CDs, but rather to go to the Music Library and listen to them there (the library lets you check them out one at a time for up to 2 hours each to listen to in the library CD players, or your own, if you have one, but the disc can't leave the library).
I was able to put all the music for my class onto one (very long) playlist at the beginning of each half of the term and would just listen to it in my free time and while doing other homework. I honestly think my iPod made a big difference in my studying for that particular class.
Re:Why? (Score:3, Insightful)
Don't delude yourself into a second into not thinking that this is self-serving on both Apple's and Duke's part... the students are consumers of both of their services.
so what.. (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:so what.. (Score:5, Funny)
So what if they received their iPod. In one way or another they will pay for it in their tuition fee.
The difference for the student is largely who "they" are in this context. Consider the difference between "Hey, dad, will you buy me an iPod" and "Hey, dad, I got admitted to Duke".
Re:so what.. (Score:2, Funny)
Oh, I thought Duke tuition went towards landscaping.
Re:so what.. (Score:3, Informative)
Re:so what.. (Score:2)
And if a doner payed for it then there's something else the doners can't cover instead, or am I wrong?
Re:so what.. (Score:2, Funny)
Re:so what.. (Score:2)
The significance (Score:3, Insightful)
Could it be possible that the kids are being used as unsuspecting testers, to see what hacks they can come up with to beat copyprotection, or could it be to see what new, unsuspecting, unthought of and marketable ideas that come out of using it in ways that it was not originally intended for.
Re:The significance (Score:2, Funny)
Re:The significance (Score:5, Funny)
Re:The significance (Score:3, Informative)
Re:The significance (Score:5, Interesting)
As a historian I would love to put selected historical speeches and radio recordings there. I can imagine that it would be great way for folklorists to give their students access to recordings of folk music and folk tales. Some of this is copyrighted material so you can't just put it up on the web.
You could put a schedule of official events in the iPod calendar so that the students woulld have that easily accesible, and you could put all kinds of useful info an tips in the note section. Not to mention important contact information in the address book. And by putting it on something as hip as the iPod you increase the likelyhood that the students will actually bother to use it.
Re:The significance (Score:3, Insightful)
I don't really see tha much difference in giving them some pdf's or giving them lectures in mp3(pdf's can be printed, mp3's burnt on a cd).
"Some of this is copyrighted material so you can't just put it up on the web." - but you can just copy them to students then? there's some huge difference here? (especially when intranet would be the easiest way to distribute t
Re:The significance (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:The significance (Score:2)
like in there's no need to refrain from giving those lectures in mp3's NOW, there's no need to wait untill the university is using 'free ipods' as an advertisement clause.
Re:The significance (Score:2)
Very true. But that's not an argument for not equiping the students with a convenient way to listen to the MP3's is it?
practicality-wise difference for the lecturer.
Maybe theory-wise. But in practice I would guess at it making the difference between the minority finding a computer and sitting in front of it for 1 hour+ listening to
Re:The significance (Score:2)
intranet/password protected is the standard way of distributing stuff that's not supposed to be distributed to others than students.
*Trying to get students to access information on the net is like herding cats.* works here all right, the catch is that the web being the only place where the information is available for totally free.
the support would still need to be there if you were going to offer it in th
Voice Recorders (Score:5, Interesting)
1 minute of voice recording on the iPod takes just one meg, so you could probably keep an entire semester's worth of lectures on an iPod.
Re:Voice Recorders (Score:2)
You're in college now (Score:4, Funny)
Re:You're in college now (Score:2)
Re:You're in college now (Score:2)
Re:You're in college now (Score:3, Insightful)
Man, talk about the blind leading the dumb leading the stupid leading the delusion
Another milestone for the INTERNET (Score:5, Funny)
He got an iPod, guys. I got one too. So does my friend Chris. Enough about the damn iPods.
Re:Another milestone for the INTERNET (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Another milestone for the INTERNET (Score:2)
Just... ouch.
Re:Another milestone for the INTERNET (Score:3, Insightful)
Among other things, Slashdot focuses on cool tech toys. Not so long ago, people looked at the iPod and said "you want *HOW* much for it? You're insane. It'll never sell." Then people said "well, it's definitely cool, but only very rich people who really want to look cool will get it." Apple has an image of being _THE_ boutique place.
Text of iPod Program Agreement (Score:5, Informative)
Duke University
iPod First-Year Experience
August 19, 2004 - May 2005
Program Agreement
Overview
Duke University is issuing first-year undergraduate students a 4th generation Apple iPod as part of a one-year pilot program between Duke and Apple, Inc. designed to encourage creative uses of technology in education and campus life. The Center for Instructional Technology, Division of Student Affairs, Office of the Provost, Office of the Executive Vice President, and the Office of Information Technology are the Duke sponsors. Throughout the academic year, faculty and students will be encouraged to experiment and develop innovative ideas uses [sic] for the iPod in the classroom and in campus life.
Student agreement
The student is responsible for the care of the iPod and keeping it in good working condition. A student whose iPod device malfunctions should first access online technical support resources (www.duke.edu/ipod). If students are unable to resolve an issue, they may contact the OIT Help Desk. Through an agreement with Apple, each iPod is covered by a special one-year warranty. If the Help Desk cannot resolve the issue and the iPod is under warranty, the Help Desk will provide the student with a replacement at no cost. In the case of theft, negligence, or damage to the iPod, students are financially responsible for replacing the iPod.
During the academic year, faculty and others will provide students with content for academic and personal use on the iPod. Students may also receive free "song codes", which allow them to download content from Apple's iTunes Music Store. Students must use the song codes for their intended purpose and may not sell them. Each student is responsible for understanding and adhering to copyright laws. For details, visit www.oit.duke.edu/security/user/usercopyright.html
The iPod remains the property of Duke University until the end of the spring 2005 semester, at which time the student becomes the owner. If for any reason the student is not enrolled at Duke University during the 2004-2005 academic year, he/she must return the iPod to the university in good working condition.
Terms and conditions
I have read the Program Agreement and agree to abide by the terms and conditions herein. I acknowledge that the iPod remains the property of Duke University until the end of the 2005 spring semester. If for any reason I am not enrolled at Duke University during the 2004-2005 academic year, I will return the iPod to the OIT Help Desk in good working condition.
where is the loss/theft insurance (Score:2)
Re:Text of iPod Program Agreement (Score:2)
They better hope and pray the university is pretty lenient with that interpretation of "good" condition! The 2nd. day I had my new 40GB iPod, I realized I'd already put several nasty-looking scratches in the polished chrome back.
In fact, if you research a bit, you'll find complaints of such things as rust forming on the engraved parts of iPod backs, and even Apple's s
Lectures as MP3? (Score:5, Insightful)
Otherwise what's the point?
Re:Lectures as MP3? (Score:2, Informative)
Yes. From the original article: [duke.edu]
Re:Lectures as MP3? (Score:3, Interesting)
but I'd really like see is something more imersive for example: a gymnasium level class on ancient Greek history which included a walk through of a reconstructed temple complete with translations of inscriptions and explanation of art (both provided by an appropriately dressed priest avatar) using some 3d gaming engine like Doom's
I'm surprised at Duke's admissions standards. (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:I'm surprised at Duke's admissions standards. (Score:3, Funny)
Re:I'm surprised at Duke's admissions standards. (Score:2)
Recording lectures. (Score:5, Interesting)
1) They own the IP of their own lectures
2) Students tend to be easier distracted when they know (or at least think) that they will listen to the lecture again
3) The audio is only a small part of a whole presentation which includes writing on the blackboard, overheads etc.
Anyway, it seems a little strange to me that American universities are encouraging this so openly.
Re:Recording lectures. (Score:5, Funny)
it happens you know..
Re:Recording lectures. (Score:2)
The key is to ask your instructor ahead of time if it's okay, because some of them publish things associated
Re:Recording lectures. (Score:2, Interesting)
I've been somewhat ambivalent about this myself, wether or not I wanted my students to record my lectures, but I don't really mind. Actually, the thing that I disliked most about the prospect was that I felt that my lectures weren't good enough to be distributed in that fashion. I'm more secure about that part of my wor
wake forest=#1 cool tech toys in acc (Score:5, Insightful)
Now that's cool...
iPod your DUKE! (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:iPod your DUKE! (Score:2, Funny)
Official Website... (Score:4, Informative)
http://www.duke.edu/ipod/ [duke.edu]
Downside to Duke freshman receiving iPods... (Score:2)
back when i went to college... (Score:2)
Cheap state school (Cheapskate school)
eBay (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:eBay (Score:2, Informative)
A quick reference for slashdot editors... (Score:5, Funny)
Not News: One kid at Duke received an iPod.
University branding on iPod (Score:3, Interesting)
Imagine the branding possibilities here -- beyond the obvious BMW tie-in [slashdot.org], what if the various colleges and universities licensed the use of their name/logo for use on the back of the iPod? The university wins, as it gets a cut of the fee and some publicity. The alumni are happy because now they have a personalized iPod they can show off to their friends. And Apple will likely take a cut too, so Steve is happy.
What about corporate branding? A Pepsi iPod, perhaps?
Chip H.
Bad idea (Score:3, Insightful)
First, I love digital music and have my entire library in iTunes.
Duke's iPod program is a stupid idea. It's a recruitment perk with little legitimate educational value.
If Duke thinks Mr. Undergrad is going to be listening to Professor Flatulent's geology lecture while out jogging instead of paging through their Audioslave tracks, they've got another thing coming. If they believe Miss Undergrad will be up late studying, rather than melting the university's WAN swapping MP3s, Duke is in for a rude awakening.
Virtually all Duke students will have their own PCs. If the school wants to distribute MP3 instruction or event calendars, there's already an infrastructure to support it.
There are plenty of kids who can't even afford the tuition for community college (thank you, Mr. Bush). The price of an iPod would cover 3 semester hours at most of these institutions. If Duke really wants to do something to improve their campus' test scores, they should put a couple dozen kids who can't afford their University into a year's community college and offer scholarships to those who really distinguish themselves.
What's next? University supplied Gameboys?
What, no styrofoam? This is teh sux (Score:5, Funny)
Yeah, it totally blew my iPod experience for those three seconds it took me to remove the iPod from its box and throw away the cardboard, instead of throwing away nice shiny styrofoam. Let's go back to having a few million pieces of awesome styrofoam in the garbage, that totally r0x0r!!!
Duke Handing out Murder Weapons (Score:3, Funny)
Seriously, Duke just handed out a whole slew of homicides [liquidgeneration.com] waiting to happen.
Perspective of a teaching assistant (Score:4, Interesting)
Of course, Duke's campus is wooded and relatively dark at night. The rates of violent crimes (sexual and otherwise) against students are fairly high. Giving the freshmen "mug me" earphones won't help.
Will they all graduate in 2008? (Score:3, Interesting)
Thought it was not educational but.. (Score:3, Informative)
on the other hand you could record your lectures and listen to them later even if you were zoned out during the class. And you could intentionally fall asleep with it droning in your ears for accelerated (hypnotic?) learning.
Seriously though, I saw my brother's laptop when he was at Harvard Business School. There, they are serious about outfitting students for business and of course everyone is paying a lot for it. But, there is a web portal site that has *everything* on it, and I dare say it could hold audio of lectures if they wanted it.
Well more power into the students' hands is a good thing, though I heavily dislike the idea that it is Duke's property while they are at Duke. That is total bullshit. I would be interested in hearing some of the lectures though if Duke doesn't mind..
*NEWS FLASH* Hundreds of Muggers Descend on Duke (Score:5, Funny)
Design (Score:3, Informative)
And about the bg music; for a couple months I had the volume for my music cut in half when I cut it all together, but suddenly decided that lots of people had a mute button within easy reach of their keyboard. Bad assumption I guess, assume makes and ass out of you and me etc., but I can see where you guys are coming from. I have done web work with usability before, bringing a large portion of the NASA National Space Science Data Center website (about 500ish pages) up to government-mandated Section 508 compliance and have felt a small twang of guilt once in a while about all the JavaScript, the bg, the music, and the weird text. Just realize that I believe that certain contexts allow for bending of the usual usability rules (gaming sites, pop culture pages, the personal blog sites of teenagers) when the intended audience is very focused.
Point is, I would much rather have my page look terrible than look like yours. I hope you can understand.
Peace
Re:Music? (Score:2)
Re:Class of 2008 (Score:2)
Re:Class of 2008 (Score:5, Funny)
Apart, of course, from those members of the class who flunk out because they spend too much time posting their blogs about "look I got an iPod" on slashdot...
Re:Class of 2008 (Score:2)
Re:Dupe alert! (Score:2, Informative)
In it you'll find the sentance "This deal was previously mentioned on
Re:Dupe alert! (Score:2)
Re:Slashdot Editors: Spellcheck the submissions! (Score:2)
Call for submissions (Score:2)
Re:So which is first (Score:2)
Re:Great. (Score:5, Funny)
I thought universities were in the business of teaching, not hardware/music distribution.
They are. It's the students who are in charge of music distribution.
Leave your door unlocked and they'll also "distribute" your hardware.
Re:Keep the sound to you, webmaster from hell (Score:5, Funny)