Like many
higher education institutions this year, Lynn University is helping its
incoming freshman class to dabble in technology while they study. The school is
issuing an iPad mini to each fresher and transfer student.
Unlike
other institutions, though, Lynn has been more transparent about its endgame
with the iPads.
“Essentially,
our goal is to get rid of all textbooks in our core curriculum. Without getting
myself in too much trouble, I’d like for that to happen next year,” Chris
Boniforti, Lynn’s chief information officer, told Inside Higher Ed.
The minis
have been preloaded with digital materials for a required freshman course and
access to the LiveText online portfolio system. Students will be able to use
the devices to access other apps and materials for their classes. The
university also encourages students to download free-time content to their
iPads, such as music, games, and photos.
In two
years, students will be expected to trade their minis in for the newest
version, which they can keep after graduation.
Students
aren’t the only ones being prodded toward high-tech scholarship. Lynn’s faculty
have also been developing course content on the iOS platform. This year the
university is rolling out nine introductory courses through iTunes U.