Taking a step that professors may view as a bit counterproductive, some universities are doling out Apple iPhones and Internet-capable iPods to students. The always-on Internet devices raise some novel possibilities, like tracking where students congregate. With far less controversy, colleges could send messages about canceled classes, delayed buses, campus crises or just the cafeteria menu. While schools emphasize its usefulness - online research in class and instant polling of students, for example - a big part of the attraction is, undoubtedly, that the iPhone is cool and a hit with students. Basking in the aura of a cutting-edge product could just help a university foster a cutting-edge reputation.

School is putting many parents under pressure, two charities are warning. A YouGov poll of 2,128 adults for Barnardo's and Citizens Advice found 73% of parents said the expense of uniforms was a source of stress. Government guidelines issued to schools in England say school uniforms must be reasonably priced and widely available. But Citizen's Advice said many schools were ignoring the advice, aimed at helping parents on low incomes.