As we know, iPods are THE must-have academic accessory this year. Lectures, class updates, supplemental course materials...all are available for broadcast at your convenience. But is this a good idea?

Reports are finally trickling in, and some professors are giving the new technology a huge thumbs-up. Who knew an iPod would improve grades?

Physics professor Dan Fleisch is one of the pleased. Upon seeing the rise in grades and class interaction among his students, he could only find one thing to credit: the inclusion of podcasting.

"It is the only thing I've done differently," the professor of physics said.

Read more about iPod triumphs
here.

Perhaps this isn't surprising, as this technology allows a new way for professors to connect with their technology-savvy students. And of course, a podcast allows repetition of lectures and key concepts, unavailable in a traditional classroom setting.

So if you're a student angling for your parents to buy you an iPod, or a teacher trying to convince your department to fund them for your classes, the proof is coming in on your side.