Considering that some countries are mulling the idea of making texting a recognized subject and allowing students to use text-speak on exams, we suppose it's not too outrageous to hear of handsets being used as educational tools and not seen as a hindrance. Nokia has teamed up with Mindset Network in order to spearhead the M4Girls pilot project, which utilizes Nokia 6300 handsets loaded with educational material to "help improve the mathematics performance of Grade 10 girl learners." Reportedly, the initiative will be piloted in two South African schools, and students lucky enough to take advantage will have access to educational games and other material created to meet the needs of the national curriculum. No word on whether the program will filter out to other locations if it proves successful, but here's to hoping that eventually gets answered with a resounding "yes."

[Via textually]

Never heard of Abilene Christian University? We're guessing a wide majority of the general public hasn't either, but the institution is definitely getting its name out there by promising each incoming freshman this fall an iPhone or iPod touch. Granted, these aren't being explicitly marked as "free," but similar to Duke's efforts in years past, ACU plans on using these devices for educational enrichment. Reportedly, the handhelds will enable students to "receive homework alerts, answer in-class surveys and quizzes, get directions to their professors' offices, and check their meal and account balances" -- and that's just for starters. Interestingly, we aren't told whether or not the folks already enrolled will be left out -- nor what determines which Apple you get -- but we do know that the entity is hoping to "expand the program in the future."

[Thanks, Byzil]

Kids these days have all the luck it seems -- not only can they undermine proctors by texting answers around the classroom, but now Victorian middle-schoolers may get the chance to take SMS 101. University of Melbourne's John Frow has insinuated that teaching children the value of abbreviations commonly used in text messages may give kids the opportunity to enjoy learning about the underpinnings of the English language. While he does admit that there's no educational merit in teaching 8 to 10-year olds how to establish an after school 'roo-riding party with as few characters as possible, he feels that lessons in texting can lead to a deeper understanding about "important translations from one language to another" and give youngsters the chance to "think critically" about the way we communicate. While Federal Minister Julie Bishop has "condemned" the notion of basing a course around SMS, Victorian Education Minister Lynn Kosky is backing the Victorian school systems, but whether or not the presumably anxious students will ever get the luxury of TXTNG 4 A PROF remains to be seen.

[Via Textually]