14 DAY TRIAL // Update: this article has been modified to correct an erronneous statement saying Apple had given out the free iPods, whereas the school was behind the initiative, purchasing said iPods from Apple.
Reports say that over 1,000 students at a school in Bolton (ESSA Academy) are on track to receive a free iPod “as part of a wider technological drive,” according to PC Advisor, who got the heads up from Macworld’s UK staff. The iPod giveaway is actually part of a wider technological drive setting back the school some £250,000.
It is not clear which iPod models have been chosen for the giveaway but, naturally, Bolton lads would be most satisfied with receiving a fifth-gen nano. The expensive iPod touch is likely out of the question.
The move is directly tied to the iTunes U program. As part of the iTunes Store, iTunes U features free lectures, language lessons, audiobooks, and more, all of which can be synced to an iPod and closely studied, offline. Head Teacher Showk Badat said the addition of iPods would help “secure outstanding GCSE results.” According to the PC Advisor report, the school recently celebrated its best GCSE results ever.
“They will do this by accessing the best possible learning resources the world has on offer at their fingertips when they need it,” Mr. Badat said. “We understand the possible risks involved in taking such a bold step and, as precautionary measure, secure firewalls are in place to prevent access to inappropriate materials. We believe that parents need to play their part in making sure our children stay safe and they must be present with their child to receive the iPod touch during the launch. The iPod touch will bring equality. Every child no matter what their background will have access to life changing resources. We believe that all can have success. To do this we need to provide everybody with the best resources possible and through this, standards will rise,” Badat concluded.
Apple too is a big fan of education, having put a lot of thought into how students of all grades can get access to its computing solutions, as well as those aimed at entertainment. For years now, the company’s “Back to School” program has included a free iPod touch for students purchasing a new MacBook (mail-in rebate). Next year’s back-to-school promo is likely to include an even more attractive offer, with the company finally introducing the much-rumored Apple tablet, or, perhaps, another kind of product no one has thought of so far.