Usually upon entering university, students are given a curriculum and a list of textbooks that they are expected to purchase (or borrow for the more frugal student). However with the rapid advancement in technology and with smartphones and tablets becoming increasingly popular, we can’t say we’re surprised to learn that in Australia, the University of West Sydney has announced their plans to distribute 11,000 iPads to students who enroll in their university starting in 2013. According to Professor Kerri-Lee Krause, the university’s pro vice-chancellor, this move is part of a “comprehensive curriculum renewal strategy”.
This includes more interactive learning, while at the same time challenge the more traditional methods of delivering educational content by lecturers. This announcement is also not surprising given that Apple has recently extended their volume app purchasing programs outside of the US to countries like Australia, whereby educational institutions can get discounted prices on apps and e-books purchased in a quantity of 20 or more. Sounds like a pretty awesome idea and could make learning a lot more fun, although we have to wonder if students will actually be able to concentrate and not end up playing Angry Birds instead – what do you guys think?