ipods in the Classroom

What is it?

ipods are a small handheld design that comes with ear phones. The simplest forms have buttons and stores audio that can be attached to a stereo to be played. Since when they first came out in 2001 many changes have been made that allows them to be added to phones, touch screens, they have many applications that can be used, and they can even upload videos. They were orginally known for thier storage of music. Their light weight and tiny structure makes them very portable

How can it be used?

After viewing this video its easy to see how many great uses the ipod has for education. The applications that can be download included spanish audio of documents which can help language barriers and students learning the language, calculators, quizzes, all kinds of document whether it be historical or books,math, vocabulary flashcards, podcasts, and even lectures. Ipods have many uses that can be very helpful for students outside the classroom. By having these applications they can allow the students to practice at home by using a new method that intrigues thier senses. Many classrooms have already incorporated this technology such as universitys, middle schools, and even some elementary schools. Its amazing how many people have seen the affects already.I would suggest for furhter information to take a peek at the link below at the apple website. It has videos going along with the younger children using ipods in the classroom.

ipods in education

Some Advantages and Disadvantages about this device?

The advantages are undeniable. Students are able to use the knowledge they already know about ipods and apply them to learning. The students get to learn using a tool they are familiar with and have fun all at the same time. They also learn more technology about the ipod which makes that even more interesting however their are issues when using a device that is so popular. One problem is even though ipods are available to everyone, the prices can make it hard for some families to be able to afford them. So when using ipods in the classroom teachers need to be aware of the economic situation in the area they are teaching. Another issue is making sure the students are staying on track, because they know so much about the device they may use it for uneducational purposes in the classroom such as listening to the lastese song or other downloads. When using ipods in the classroom they must be monitored effeciently.

Who is the audience?

ipods are directed more toward any age above the third grade. In the videos show in the apple link you can see how children in fourth grade recieved the ipod system very well. Any younger then third or fourth may have issues when it comes to how to upload and store. For precaution wait until at least third grade to allow students to use the ipod. The main audience would be college students in fact at the Georgia College and State they have an ivillage that came from the use of ipods. They first used ipods in lectures, music, and analyzation of books. Now they have branched out into the imac, podcast,and more advancements in i materials. They even have training days to teach how to use the materials in thier ivillage. I have posted a link below so everyone can see how they have used this technology to the fullest and keep adding on new methods using these tools to their university.

Georgia College and State

What can we learn?

Technology is the way of the future.By preparing ourselves for the new classroom environment teachers need to embrace the new tools given. By applying all the knowledge given from websites on how to use the applications teachers can prosper in the classrooms. Teachers can connect with the students on a different level by using the technology students use in their daily lives. Ipods have many applications and are great storage devices that can be easily taught to be used if people take the time to learn.

My opinion...

ipods would be a great way to start a bond with the students and help them learn by using something they are familiar with using. The students will appreciate that the teacher involves new techniques instead of just having one method. They will also be able to practice at home on a device they can use the applications to help study such as the video shows when the student made his own quiz. I don't see how this could be to big of a problem if it always the student to continue his education on his on time out of school.