J-School Requires iPod Touch, iPhone

An iPod Touch or iPhone is now considered necessary equipment for journalism students at the University of Missouri.

As of fall 2009, an iPod Touch is the minimum requirement (an iPhone is a plus) for incoming freshmen to j-school, providing orientation information and course materials.

It’s not the first time universities have adopted Apple devices, but it may be the first time they approach something like mandatory. (Would-be Woodwards and Bernsteins won’t have to flash their iPods at the door and there will be no penalties for not having one, the requirement stated.) The journalism school has also required students to have laptops with wireless capabilities since 2005.

Brian Brooks, associate dean of the Journalism School, said the idea is to turn the music player into a learning device.

“Lectures are the worst possible learning format,” Brooks told the Missourian. “There’s been some research done that shows if a student can hear that lecture a second time, they retain three times as much of that lecture.”
The iPods and iPhones will be offered at a special price, Brooks said, through the University bookstore. The school also stated they consider the device a one-time buy, one iPod should see students through college and that financing plans are available.

Elizabeth Eberlin, a j-school student, started a Facebook group called “Rotten Apple” in protest.
“I really like my Apple computer, but I don’t think people should be forced to buy one brand of computer or one brand of anything,” she told the Missourian, adding that the school’s relationship with Apple could be considered a possible conflict of interest.

Wonder if you still have to pass an English course or prove you can type before starting, too.

Image used with a CC license, thanks Peter.
Via the Missourian, Missouri School of Journalism

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