Campus News

Duke updates iPod program

Heading into its second year incorporating personal technology into classrooms, Duke University is expanding its iPod program.

This past spring, 280 students used school-issued iPods in 19 courses; this semester, Duke says at least 42 classes comprising 1,200 students will use the device. Initially, Duke handed out the portable audio and video players to all first-year students, but now plans to limit the giveaway to students enrolled in courses which require iPods. Though the program has been criticized, Duke officials say it represents a meshing of academics and technology and plans to broaden the program to focus on digital technology, online collaborations and tablet PCs.