University of Missouri Makes iPhone, iPod Touch Mandatory for Students

May 15, 2009 - 12:00 am | 5 views

Technology.am (May 15, 2009) — The University of Missouri has advised the journalism students must carry an iPhone or iPod touch in order to be complete their course. It added that this is a “course requirement” to own an Apple iPhone or iPod touch.

missouri-university The University said, the devices are “mandatory”, as students will need to use the gadget to review audio recordings of lectures.

The University uses a program called Tegrity to record lectures, which students can download later for free through a special educational area on the iTunes Music Store.

However, officials have confirmed they will not enforce the rule. Instead, the “requirement” is part of the University’s aim to be granted “special status” so that students receiving financial assistance can use part of their bursary to purchase the device. Around 50 universities in the United States operate a similar scheme.

The journalism department’s handbook clearly underline’s the University’s preference that students use Apple products.

There has been criticism by some students of this stipulation, arguing that such a close tie-up with Apple “compromises journalistic integrity”, while others have said the row is “much ado about nothing”.

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