Nano students

College students are to be given free iPods so they can catch up on missed lectures in their own time.

South Kent College in Dover has spent £25,000 on Nano iPods for 250 students in the hope they will listen to podcasts of lectures, as well as music.

Assistant principal Josh Coleman said he had looked to the US and Australia for new ways to encourage learning.

But pressure group Campaign for Real Education said it was wrong to offer bribes and it devalued education.

CRE chairman Nick Seaton said: "Youngsters should want to take the courses for their own sake if they are worthwhile.Let the college keep two or three iPods to lend to the youngsters.It's a scandalous waste of taxpayers' money."