June 14, 2011
Business college to introduce 'iPad U' program
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The College of Business at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is launching a new program to enhance business students' success and their connectivity to the college's faculty and staff.
Beginning this fall, the iPad U program will provide all freshman business majors who reside in the Living Learning Community at Brown Hall on Thompson Point an iPad 2 for use during the 2011-2012 academic year. The technology tool will come loaded with applications to help students in the classroom and with their studies.
Many corporations are moving to an electronic tablet environment for use in presentations and by their professionals, and preliminary studies are finding positive feedback for incorporating the iPad devices into academic settings, according to Jill M. Gebke, director of enrollment management for the College of Business. That’s why the college is sponsoring this pilot project and during this initial school year will monitor and assess the program, Gebke said.
The iPad program is part of an overall effort to enhance the Living Learning Community for business majors with extracurricular activities to enhance learning inside and outside of the classroom. Plans also call for professional development events and weekly luncheons to bring together the students with business faculty and staff.
The Student Directed Tuition Dollars, frequently known as differential tuition, are funding the project. The College of Business utilizes the funds to provide business students with additional services and opportunities, like iPad U, that otherwise wouldn’t be part of their University experience.
To learn more about iPad U, the College of Business or the business Living Learning Community at Brown Hall, contact Gebke at jgebke@business.siuc.edu or by calling 618/453-7487.