Undergraduates who trade in their old University-supplied iPods for newer models can rest assured knowing their retired iPods will be used to support other students' technological needs.
"They go into a loaner pool," said David Menzies, manager of news and information for the Office of Information Technology. "For example, when a student sends in their iPod to Apple for repair, we give them loaners to use."
In 2004, the University provided free fourth-generation audio iPods to the Class of 2008 as part of the Duke Digital Initiative. In 2005, the University decided to continue distributing iPods on a course-specific basis, allowing more students to benefit from the use of the technology.
OIT plans to give 1,100 iPods to students enrolled in the 42 classes requiring iPods this semester.
Of those devices, roughly 60 percent are fourth-generation photo iPods, and 40 percent are fifth-generation video iPods. Both models are among the latest in iPod innovations.
By 5 p.m. last Friday, OIT had provided 750 students with new iPods-approximately 40 of which were the result of a trade-in for an upgraded model.
"I believe the trade-ins help expand the initiative and are a good use of an available resource," said Vernon Thornton, manager of OIT's help desk.
Thornton added thattrade-in iPods become the property of the University so they will not be offered for sale to individuals at a discounted price.
OIT will also give trade-in iPods to instructors who are considering using the technology in their classrooms. Instructors will be able to experiment with the devices "to see what aspects of the course can be enhanced by the use of iPods," Thornton said.
OIT plans to distribute other trade-in units to various IT support staff to assist faculty with creating course content and academic initiatives coordinated through the Center for Instructional Technology.
Since Duke and Apple signed a nondisclosure agreement forbidding either party from discussing the financial aspects of the DDI, officials cannot comment on how the trade-in policy is affecting the University financially. "No extra fees are being collected from students to fund the DDI," Menzies said, adding that the funding for DDI was set aside in the University's last strategic plan, "Building on Excellence," which expires this year.
OIT is coordinating with the Registrar to obtain a list of the undergraduates' names who traded in their old iPods and then dropped classes designated to use the new ones. OIT will notify each individual by e-mail to return the iPod.
If they do not turn them in, students will have to pay Bursar charges for the amount of the units, many of which range from between $200 and $300.
Sophomore Isel del Valle said she finds the University's plans for her audio iPod-which she plans on exchanging for a photo iPod this semester-beneficial to future students. "It allows the iPod project to reach more people because if professors are allowed to experiment, more might decide to use them in their classes," del Valle said.
Other students, such as sophomore Meagan Gray, said they also approve of the concept of loaner iPods. "It would be useful because when I sent mine to get fixed during the summer, the loaner pool had run out, and I didn't have an iPod to use," Gray said.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.