iPods+in+the+Classroom

iPods in the Classroom   Today’s students find technology very motivating. IPods can be used across all subject areas to increase motivation, language development and achievement. Although all students are inclined to be motivated by technology, low achieving students are especially motivated by the use of technology. Increasing student achievement has a benefit for our whole community.

Technology is changing quickly in our world today. Using iPods in the classroom connects the tools that most students are already using in their personal life to assist them in learning curricular outcomes at school. The following paragraph from the [|Target Tech in Texas (T3) Collaborative Grant program guidelines document] (page 9 of 47) summarizes what policymakers in Texas view as the ideal 21st century classroom environment and what we at Lochearn share as an ideal vision of what we could create: //In a 21st Century classroom, students have access to appropriate technology and digital resources for technology integrated curriculum activities at school, in the district, at home, or key locations in the community. Teachers seamlessly integrate technology in a student-centered learning environment where technology is used to solve real-world problems in collaboration with business, industry and higher education. Teachers and students apply technology across all subject areas to provide learning opportunities that are not possible without the technology. Teachers create and integrate web-based lessons which include resources, learning activities, and interactive communications that support learning objectives throughout the curriculum. // IPods will be used in classrooms as a whole as well as by individual students. This will allow for differentiated instruction to occur in the classroom setting. While teaching and facilitating lessons, some students may be reading a book, some students may be working on a computer, and some may be listening to an audio book on an iPod. Still other students could be working on creating a podcast to share with classmates through iPod technology. There are also podcasts and vodcasts that can be downloaded for students which they will be able to access and work on. Students can also share research presentations, do a podcast on a fieldtrip and share booktalks through iPods. Teachers would use iPods to enhance teaching curriculum on current events, world interests, and research topics for students. media type="custom" key="6115793" width="240" height="240" Links: [|Apple Learning Interactive] [|100 Ways to use your iPods to learn and study better] [|iLearn blog on technology] [|Podcasting in the Classroom] [|Learning in Hand] [|iPhone and iPod Development in Education]