Duke University iPod Usage

Duke University, during the 2005-2006 school year, initiated the use of iPods in conjunction with classroom lectures. The program had the goal and idea that the use of this type of technology would increase the ease of passing on information to the students and increase the ease of teacher-student feedback and communication. The program consisted of approximately 630 students in a broad range of classes.
The pilot program helped to increase the usage of audio files (lectures, music downloads, etc.) and lessened the use of physical information usually provided during class meetings. However, some of the negatives was the fact that some information wasn't able to be provided or easily accessed by students. Overall, however, with a few corrections, the program will eventually be fully implemented for school-wide usage.
I think that the type of technology iPods provide can be a great asset in the classroom. Students can listen to actual songs or radio clips to give better understanding of a lecture or see video files that facilitate better understanding. In my future classroom, that's how I would use iPods.