JACKSON, Miss.--Classroom technology has college students in the Magnolia State carrying around laptops, smart phones, tablets and iPads. The Mississippi E-Center at Jackson State University is making sure JSU freshmen get that technology with a grant that's giving all first-time, full-time freshmen iPads this year.
Dr. William McCarry, with the E-Center, told us about 750 students have their iPad thus far. He says when it's said and done, some 900 freshmen will have the flat, touch-screen Apple innovation.
"We're designed to support Jackson State," he said. "We decided the best way to support Jackson State this semester was to assist students in accquiring modern mobile technology and the technology that many universities are using and is most common is the iPad."
McCarry said having the iPads will accomplish two objectives: to enhance learning and also to access iBooks.
Markeisha Robinson, a freshman from Greenville, was the first to get one of the E-Center iPads.
"I've dowloaded two books, my university success book and my western civilization book," she said,"and it saved me so much money. It was like half the price."
Robinson says she also uses the WiFi while on campus and is able to type notes on the iPad in class.
As far as that goes, McCarry said professors are going to have to be on their toes.
"It's a different strategy and you also have to have professional development for the faculty that are gonna be using these in the classroom. Now students can fact check everything as you're going along. But it also encourages students and others to research, bring knowledge and contribute. In today's classroom, students are learning to ask the big questions," he said.
McCarry also said several professors are developing iBooks to use in their classrooms.
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