Since the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri is now “requiring” iPhones or iTouches for the incoming freshmen class, it seems like a good time as any to talk about the influence of technology in higher education. The argument presented by Brian Brooks, the associate dean of the Journalism School believed that putting the device as part of the required materials that the students could put the cost into the financial aid package that the typical freshman signs up for before attending their first class. Now MU could have taken the road that Abilene Christian University chose by giving all of their incoming freshmen an iPhone or iTouch or even giving students iPods as Duke did. However, the question that should be the focus is on how universities are promoting “brand loyalty” to college students.
