Administrators at Abilene Christian University say they have a vision to use iPhones, which allow Web access in the palm of users’ hands, to revolutionize campus life. But is giving away the devices to all incoming freshmen the best way to spur innovation? A look at past technology giveaways at other campuses suggests that it might not be, as I note in a Chronicle article this week (free to all, even nonsubscribers).
What do you think? Will more colleges follow Abilene Christian’s lead (and that of Oklahoma Christian University, which is also giving away iPhones)? Should colleges do this? —Jeffrey R. Young
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