The now late great Steve Jobs once predicted that there will be a day when people will take classes over their iphones. Has this come to fruition yet? And what is an iphone?
Sure. You can even delete the post so that nobody knows that it was you who laid down a bumpity. I studied for and took practice exams for my last several CLEPs on my phone. I partially completed ECs information literacy (sham of a) course on my old Blackberry and completed a couple of ALISON's (sham of a bunch of) courses on my LG.
I am going to assume that this is not a facetious question, and that the OP is in fact technologically clueless. "iPhone" is a brand name for cellular telephones manufactured by Apple Inc. iPhones have a small (3.5-inch diagonal) but high-quality display, and can duplicate many of the functions associated with computers. For example, they can be used to browse the web, send and receive emails, display documents or spreadsheets, play recorded music or lectures, or play videos. They can even be used to make phone calls. Compared to a traditional computer, the functionality of iPhones is limited by the small display size and the lack of a dedicated keyboard. On the other hand, iPhones are much more portable. An iPhone can get an internet connection anywhere there is a cell phone signal; it does not need an ethernet cable or wifi network. iPhones are distinct from Apple's Macintosh computer line. They use a different operating system, known as "iOS", while Macs use "MacOS". Applications designed for iPhones do not run on Macs, and vice-versa. However, popular Mac applications are often exported to the iPhone, and vice-versa. iPhones are among the most popular and successful electronic gadgets in history; Apple has sold over 100 million since they were introduced in 2007. Competitive non-Apple devices include devices running the Android, Blackberry, or Windows Phone 7 operating systems. Such devices are known generically as "smartphones".
Yes. Apple maintains a large online store, known as the "iTunes Store", which provides content (both free and paid) that people can download to their iPhones (or other Apple devices). A large section of the store, known as "iTunes U" is devoted to educational content posted by colleges and universities. Recorded audio and video, books, notes, assignments, etc. can be downloaded to an iPhone and reviewed at any time. Apple provides tools so that profs can post their class materials on iTunes. Many profs routinely post class materials at iTunes U. Hundreds of schools participate to varying degrees, such as Stanford. Hundreds of thousands of individual files have been posted. To check it out, you would need the iTunes application, which is pre-installed on Apple devices; it is also available as a free download for Windows computers.
You have made the correct assumption. I was wondering whether an iphone was somehow similar to a cell phone or whether they were entirely different.
Smartphones (such as an iPhone) are essentially very small computers, capable of browsing the web, downloading files, displaying those files, etc. In theory, you could take an online class using a smartphone, instead of a traditional computer. In practice, however, most people do not like to do extensive writing on smartphones. The small display and clumsy onscreen keyboards are OK for short notes, but are not good for writing and editing long documents. So people might use smartphones to review class material (especially when they are away from their desks); but they probably would not use smartphones to prepare class assignments.
As long as we're on the topic of technological cluelessness, I have a follow-up question. If iphones are essentially small computers, does their software need updating or is that done automatically since they are on the phone lines? I think about my old 486 computer in the closet that really can't be used anymore. Is an older iphone similar in that it is no longer functional in a practical sort of way? Or is is still useable and useful, like my 1999 Chevy? Not fancy, but gets me there?
Perry, iOS devices newer than an iPhone 3G can be updated over the air once they are on iOS 5.0 or greater. I would still advise to connect to iTunes however to backup your phone in case something happens. I would not get an iPhone older than a 3G.
In recent years, smartphone technology (both hardware and software) has evolved even more rapidly than computer technology. For example, iOS (which powers iPhones) was introduced in 2007, and is currently on its fifth major revision (version 5.1). Some smartphones can update automatically, over the air; others have to be plugged into a computer. Updating tends to be particularly smooth with iPhones, because the same company (Apple) produces both the hardware and the software. Updating is often more complicated with Android phones, because one company (Google) produces the software and other companies (Samsung, LG, Motorola, etc) produce the hardware. The oldest iPhones, from 2007-2009, are no longer capable of running the latest version of iOS, just as your 486 cannot run Windows 7. You could still use an old iPhone to make phone calls and run old software, but not the latest versions. You can see that smartphones become obsolete more quickly than computers; you would expect a 2009 computer to still run current software, but that is not the case with smartphones. But this is not usually a problem, because people don't usually expect smartphones to stay current for more than 2 years or so. A smartphone differs from a computer in one important respect: a computer is typically a "standalone" purchase, but a smartphone is typically bundled with a 2-year service contract with a phone company (like AT&T or Verizon). The service contract costs much more than the phone itself, so the carriers offer the phones at heavily discounted prices (or even for free) when you sign the contract. So most people have no reason to keep a smartphone for more than 2 years. When you renew your 2-year service contract, you will be offered a brand new current-model phone at a huge discount. The lower-end models will literally be offered to you for free. So you probably aren't using your 2009 iPhone anymore; you replaced it in 2011, and you probably expect to replace your 2011 iPhone in 2013.
Just to add this in... iPhones, and other smart phones, use apps to do a variety of things. My iPhone has a blackboard app, so I can access the courses I'm teaching through blackboard and post assignments, view discussion posts, etc. Similarly, the University of Phoenix also has an iPhone app. It's pretty nifty! I can mark posts and such when I'm waiting in the doctor's office and whatnot. -Matt
Yes. Sorta. iTunes University has classes available for the iPhone. As other posters mentioned, the phone is good for somethings but no so much for others. If by "taking a class" you mean watching a video, then the iPhone is good for that (I still prefer the iPad, though, for its larger screen). But if you have to reply, write, etc. ... not so much. You can, but I wouldn't.
The iPad has become a huge aid for children with autism. This is an incredible breakthrough that even Mr. Steve Jobs (r.i.p.) did not intend to do. The fact that children who suffer from this disorder can make astonishing improvements in their ability to comprehend and communicate through technology is a blessing! Any thoughts?
