Radiography students given iPods to help them learn

Derby University is using iPods to provide its students with "different ways to learn".

They have been given to 35 BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography first-year students and come pre-loaded with a purpose-made DVD of radiographic techniques.

The graphic animations and commentary show students how they should position a patient's upper and lower limbs, skull and chest during an X-ray.

According to the university, incorrect positioning could mean a repeat X-ray examination, which could increase the patient’s exposure to radiation. It could also potentially result in an inaccurate diagnosis and delay a patient’s treatment.

Steve Delay, senior lecturer at Derby university, said: "Approximately 70 per cent of the workload within a diagnostic imaging department is plain film radiography and these X-rays call for standard positioning techniques. This training device will be of enormous benefit."

The university said students would be allowed to put music on to the £99 devices but it would check that they were also being used for work. Students will also have to give the devices back after they have finished their course.