ACU Researchers Explore iPhone in Higher Education

Abilene Christian University in Texas is launching a research project this fall to explore the potential uses of Apple's iPhone mobile device in higher education. The pilot study will involve faculty and educational technology developers to research "innovative applications for smart phones and media players in deepening learning in the 21st century."

ACU has been researching the possibilities for higher education that mobile devices have presented for years. But the iPhone stands out from the PDAs and other handheld devices of the past, according to Kevin Roberts, ACU’s chief information officer.

"The creation of Apple's iPhone--which offers many popular services in one device--has made what we see as the first really compelling solution," he said.

Faculty and staff at ACU had submitted more than 50 proposals for researching the topic. The pilot project will involve a small case study group to "analyze ways to use the iPhone as a learning tool--both in and out of the classroom--and as a way to enhance the university community," according to ACU.

The university is a private institution serving more than 4,800 undergraduate and graduate students in Abilene, TX.

Read More:

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • hand touching glowing connected dots

    Registration Now Open for Tech Tactics in Education: Thriving in the Age of AI

    Tech Tactics in Education has officially opened registration for its May 7 virtual conference on "Thriving in the Age of AI." The annual event, brought to you by the producers of Campus Technology and THE Journal, offers hands-on learning and interactive discussions on the most critical technology issues and practices across K–12 and higher education.

  • glowing shield hovers above a digital cloud platform with abstract data streams and cloud icons in the background

    Google to Acquire Cloud Security Firm Wiz

    Google has announced it will acquire cloud security startup Wiz. If completed, the acquisition — an all-cash deal valued at $32 billion — would mark the largest in Google's history.

  • laptop on a clean desk with digital padlock icon on the screen

    Study: Data Privacy a Top Concern as Orgs Scale Up AI Agents

    As organizations race to integrate AI agents into their cloud operations and business workflows, they face a crucial reality: while enthusiasm is high, major adoption barriers remain, according to a new Cloudera report. Chief among them is the challenge of safeguarding sensitive data.

  • From the Kuali Days 2025 Conference: A CEO's View of Planning for AI

    How can a company serving higher education navigate the changes AI brings to ed tech? What will customers expect? CT talks with Kuali CEO Joel Dehlin, who shared his company's AI strategies with attendees at Kuali Days 2025 in Anaheim.