James R. Miller, associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Kansas, says that the iPhone may be an ideal platform for students learning online. According to Miller,

“People are beginning to expect on-demand delivery for education. They may be out in a field someplace or completely away from standard Internet connectivity. Well, if they can pick up their iPhone and turn it on, that technology is making it possible for them to get this on-demand education that they need.”

I have no problem teaching students on their iPhones rather than laptops if that’s the access method they choose. I can also understand that the touch-screen of the iPhone may offer a greater since of interactivity than clicking a mouse and that the audio capabilities cater to the many who learn best through listening rather than reading. However, I’m not going to be designing my courses specifically for iPhone users just yet. Read the rest of this entry »