I created a post on the topic of iPods in the classroom on our school’s blog to see what sort of unique ideas we could get on how iPods could be used to facilitate learning in the classroom. While most of the student comments focused on wanting to bring their own iPods to class so they could listen to music, we did receive some interesting comments on different uses for iPods. My article focused more on the new iTouch iPods because of their wireless Internet capabilities. I have been thinking how neat it would be to have a class set of these so teachers could check them out and use them as an alternative to laptops for Internet research. Of course, podcasting is always a possibility as well.
Is any school out there using iTouch iPods in this way? I would be thrilled to hear some ideas on the topic. Since I don’t own one personally, it would also be nice to hear what users actually have to say about them.
I have been using the nano’s in my 7th grade social studies classroom for the past 7 months and had great success. I record a podcast for each section and the kids can listen to a review of the notes and watch a slideshow as they listen. It has been a great way for kids to get another chance at listening to the information.
I just signed on to a group who will use the iTouch in the classroom. In addition to basic research, I plan on using the iTouch to lead the kids on virtual scavenger hunts. I plan out the websites and give them tasks on each site. Students can also use the iTouches to play games I have set up on the http://www.quia.com website. It is aligned to the material I am teaching because I design the games.
The technology aspect to teaching has come a long way since I was in middle school. I don’t think I would have been interested in listening to a record album of my social studies teacher’s reviews, but the podcasts make t fun.
Will the teachers actually use the iTouch for school room purposes? Or will they cheat and use them for their own personal use? How would anyone find out if they did cheat?