University of Cologne considering 45,000 iPhones
updated 07:00 pm EST, Tue December 16, 2008
iPhones at German univ
The University of Cologne has considered a purchase of 45,000 iPhones, one for each student attending the school, according to MacNotes.de. André Bresges, a physics professor, explored the idea of using new tools to enhance the teaching experience. The devices could help students organize their time or stay in touch with teachers. iPhone apps could also be used, possibly for live polls in class or for prioritizing terms that a large number of students would like the professor to explain again.
The university will be organizing a workshop where everyone can present ideas about how the iPhone could be used. The idea is currently in the beginning stages, as the professors and students still need to draft a formal proposal. Bresges declined to speculate about the real chances of approval by the directors.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2005
A few things:
Firstly, students can thank these ppl for the tuition hike. Of course, what's a few more hundred dollars for the handset anyway...
Then again, who's paying for the plans for these phones? If french rates are at all comparable, I wouldn't want to have to chalk $840-$1200 to my yearly tuition. Perhaps they'd be better served with iPod Touches and an extensive Local Area Network (LAN for the non-OV's out there). The logistics of making the device work with campus servers would be much simpler, you'd get more storage space, and a MUCH lower TCO.
And if plans are being paid for by the state, well, it's France anyway, so it's just par for the course. Just go ahead an entrench dependence on state largesse; that's exactly the thinking that has made France such a prosperous nation...