Lisa Merschel, a professor in the Spanish department at Duke, said the university’s US$500,000 iPod program has revolutionized her students’ experience with the language. “Before, I would just play a CD in front of the whole class and there would be some students whose eyes would glaze over after the first couple of seconds and some who would get this intense look of fear on their faces,” Merschel said. “With the iPods, each student can listen at their own pace and they have the control to pause or replay certain parts… I find that the slower students have more confidence.” She said the technology has made her grading process more efficient as well. “It’s digital, easier, and faster.” She also believes that the program has helped with relationships. “It’s extremely beneficial, especially for languages, and I have to say I’m getting a much closer relationship with my students.”