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FREE iPODS FOR LOCAL STUDENTS

Local young people studying at South Kent College are to be given free iPods next month if they have completed their assignments and have a full attendance record.

The College in Dover recently spent more than £25,000 to purchase the iPod nanos and hopes that the music players will encourage students to listen to podcasts of lectures, rather than just the latest hip hop tracks.

But critics say the plan is a waste of taxpayer money. "Youngsters should want to take the courses for their own sake if they are worthwhile," said Campaign for Real Education (CRE) chairman Nick Seaton. "Let the college keep two or three iPods to lend to the youngsters." 

Assistant principal Josh Coleman said the portable players will only be offered to those students who have completed all their assignments and demonstrated full attendance, according to BBC News. 

"At first people thought I was giving iPods out to get people through the door, but they can now see the long-term merits," said Mr. Coleman. "As we attract more full-time students, that generates income which will offset initial outlay, and their wages will go up."

The assistant principal added that he does not foresee attendance dropping as students are given the option to catch up on a missed lecture.

The pilot scheme is being funded with savings made on a building project.

What do you think? Is this yet another crazy scheme, do you think the college are right and are you happy to pay for this through your taxes? Click here to tell us.