APP U.

Abstract

Next fall, incoming freshmen at Ohio State University (OSU) will each be given a new Apple iPad Pro that comes complete with learning apps, a pen, and a keyboard. Apple has in the past sold products at bargain rates to many colleges, but its partnership in OSU's new Digital Flagship University boosts collaboration to a whole new level. Beyond increasing the market for iPads, Apple ultimately hopes the arrangement will increase the number of software-developer graduates. As part of the initiative, OSU will open an iOS design lab that Apple will create to train and award certificates to students, staff, faculty, and community members who want to learn how to develop apps using Swift, Apple's programming language.

Education T echnology

Next fall, incoming freshmen at Ohio State University will each be given a new Apple iPad Pro that comes complete with learning apps, a pen, and a keyboard. Apple has in the past sold products at bargain rates to many colleges, but its partnership in OSU's new Digital Flagship University boosts collaboration to a whole new level. Beyond increasing the market for iPads, Apple ultimately hopes the arrangement will increase the number of software-developer graduates. As part of the initiative, OSU will open an iOS design lab that Apple will create to train and award certificates to students, staff, faculty, and community members who want to learn how to develop apps using Swift, Apple's programming language. A former Apple executive tells Inside Higher Ed that creating a "pipeline" of developers is likely a key aspect of the deal. Joshua Kim, who directs digital learning initiatives at Dartmouth College, tells the publication that the deal could push Apple to develop apps and programs of interest to the entire higher-education community. If Apple is truly committed to innovation in higher education, he says, "it could really move the needle," and companies like Google and Microsoft would likely follow Apple's lead. Kim says other colleges will certainly watch to see how well the collaboration works and probably will be eager to forge similar partnerships with Apple. - T.G.