Under the scholarship program of the nonprofit Mississippi e-Center @JSU, Jackson State University will provide new iPads to all full-time members of the fall 2012 entering class who are entering the university for the first time. About 800 to 900 students are expected to receive the iPads.
The Apple devices will be integrated into the first-year curriculum and will save students money by allowing them to purchase electronic textbooks instead of traditional books. Students will receive training on the devices. Faculty will be instructed on how to use the iPads to enhance the teaching and learning experience.
Students who leave the university will be asked to return the iPad or pay for the device. Once they complete five semesters the iPad will be there’s to keep.
Mark G. Hardy, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Jackson State University, explained, “We will be placing technology directly in the hands of students and giving them a mobile platform so that learning happens when they are inside or outside of the classroom.”
Great! Jackson State is ahead of the curve The iPads will give the students access as well as enabling them to save money on text books. (I remember sharing books with my roommate to cut our costs)