Universities across the U.S. are arming students with iPads, so it only makes sense that one school would teach them how best to use it.
Central Michigan University created a pilot course on iPad literacy to make sure they’re getting the most out of it.
What’s in the iPad course curriculum? Business uses for social networking, using the GPS device, making presentations with the Blackboard app — and a presentation from a lawyer about software and music copyright.
“They know how to find music and simple stuff,” said Mike Reuter, director of technology operations. “But 80 percent of students don’t know how to use the blackboard, even though the icons are on the screen.”
Those on the student teaching track also have to set up recordings to document classroom sessions for assignments.
“We’ve had more than one student come back with nothing on their tapes, after hitting play instead of record during their sessions,” said Reuter. “The faculty assumed they knew what they were doing.”
Students were also sent out with iPads and the Foursquare app and required to check in to 10 places to prove they can correctly let everyone know when they’re hanging out in a cafe’ instead of class.
One class session included a talk from a lawyer on copyright and piracy.
“A lawyer for a group who worked for a record label told us first hand about different cases,” said student Danny Fancher. “We got an overview of copyright laws regarding pictures and music and how to stay legal.”
Source: The Morning Sun
