ACU buys iPhone 3GS

Abilene Christian University has expanded its Mobile Learning program to include the new iPhone 3GS. As part of the university's orientation session, all of the incoming freshman have been outfitted with Apple's handsets. Although the students will not fully utilize the devices on campus until the fall, they will have a chance over the summer to familiarize themselves with the technology.

ACU was one of the first universities to standardize integration of the iPhone or iPod touch amongst the staff and students. The devices connect users to news, calendars, course documents and media, while enabling in-class surveys and polls.

The main portal, ACU Mobile, can be accessed through the iPhone's Safari browser. An implementation team continues to create web-based apps for classroom management, file storage, community information and other services. Other staff members and other schools are participating in developing a variety of department-specific apps.

Five university fellows are conducting ongoing research relating to the integration and use of the devices. ACU also hosts the ConnectEd Mobile Learning Summit, an event attended by other colleges and universities, K-12 schools and corporations.

by MacNN Staff