Feb. 28 - Nine months ago, two weeks prior to Apple’s release of the iPhone, high-ranking officials from various universities met with Apple executives to discuss a concept called “iPhone University.” This concept represents Apple’s second attempt to integrate its products in the education market. Apple tried this once in the mid-1990’s with getting the Apple II into elementary and high school classrooms. This time around, Apple arguably has a much stronger product base to establish itself as an effective tool in enhancing the education experience.
Apple executives envision iPhone University as an iPhone or iPod touch for every student enrolled in a college or university. When students arrive in the Fall, their iPhone or iPod is included in tuition and is ready to connect to the University’s wireless network. There, students can download class notes and presentations, check meal plan or account balances, participate in discussion groups, and even get directions to their professor’s offices. It would be easy to imagine that campus-wide emergency broadcast systems would be included in the program. Abeline Christian Univeristy (ACU), one of the five colleges adopting “iPhone University,” already uses many of these features. Other schools participating in the pilot program include Stanford, Yale, Harvard, and MIT.
“iPhone University” comes at the perfect time to integrate wi-fi and smartphone technology with the higher educaiton experience. Students more connected to the University arguably creates a sense of loyalty and personal investment into the education, including campus-wide public safety. Additionally, a versatile mobile device such as the iPhone will allow students to perform many more functions at much faster rates than before. It is impressive that one device has the potential to affect so many students on such an immediate level.
With that being said, why didn’t technology companies think of this sooner? Why did technology companies not capitalize on Apple’s failed idea from the 1990’s? Campus-wide wireless networks have been in place for the last several years. Many smart phones created before the iPhone have the capability to display graphics, e-mails, and the Internet (despite being limited). With iPhone and iPod’s popularity firmly supplanted, it will be difficult for new market entrants to stop this expansion. It had to happen sooner. “iPhone University” demonstrates foresight, as well as insight, giving Apple a second uninhibited attempt at integrating its product line in the education market.
Apple Insider reports it here. For a demonstration video, click here.
Posted by thechritic 
