The Use of iPods at Duke University

This semester at Duke University the freshman recieved a very nice gift in there welcome goodie bags. They recieved an iPod. The university says it will be used to record lectures, capture data, and play language-training recordings. It is being funded by money the university set aside for a special one time project and they do not know if the project will continue over the years. Some students think that it makes no sense. Some of the freshman already have iPods so they are selling theirs on ebay to make some money. It comes equipped with videos from the president, information about the campus, tips for studying, and the alma mater and fight song.
I don't really know how I feel about this. In one way it's a really good idea but on the other hand the kids might not even use them and then it would be a waste of money. I think there are other things the university could do to help with learning. Even computer programs would help. Some of the kids would end up selling them or losing them and that is a big investment to just to waste. I don't think I would want them in my classroom because even though they might help with learning you never know what the children are doing with them. They could be listening to music or watching videos they have uploaded to it. I think there are other ways to enhance learning than giving everyone an expensive iPod.