iPods In The Classroom

iPods for Learning

iPods have become much more than just a sound machine for listening to music. Back in 2005 iPods surpassed the 15 million sold mark. That number has probably doubled since then. New models have been introduced year after year, always improving on the product. Now many colleges are handing out iPods at freshmen registration. Duke University seemed to pioneer the use of iPods campus wide to be used as a learning tool.

Article on Duke University's iPod Giveaway

The benefits of using iPods in the classroom have been classified into five categories by Education World. One of the first benefits is it's portability. It can easily be taken to other sites and moved around to a different location. Second, it is socially interactive. You can exchange data and collaborate with others. The iPod has context sensitivity, meaning you can gather data unique to the current location, environment and time. The iPod also offers connectivity. They can be connected to personal computers to create a true shared environment. Last, iPods offer individuality with unique feature customized to each user.

Education World

I could see using the iPods for listening centers in an elementary classroom. Teaching music, foreign language, and podcasts about subject areas in science or social studies would be a great listening tool. Teachers can use iPods for lesson planning and blogging. Tony Vincent offers an excellent site offering ideas for iPod usage in the classroom. The ideas are endless.

Learning in Hand