Skeptics of the world, hear me out... I know what you're all thinking. We don't need to give our kids yet another excuse not to pay attention in class. I know that this idea will take a little getting used to be it actually makes so much sense.
When I was at When Faith Meets Pedagogy on Friday, I attended a session called iTouch, iLearn. It was hosted by Rob Policicchio of Apple Canada. The focus of the presentation was how to incorporate iPods in education. He has been working with a number of schools who are using the various iPod products for a whole host of different reasons. Here are a few:
-audio books
-uploading tests with audio files for Special Ed. students to follow along
-video books
-podcasts - both teacher- and student-created
-assessing fluency in reading
If you think about it, the combination of viewing text and hearing increases retention and understanding. That's useful to ALL students, not just those who struggle at school.
Rob pointed out that iTunes (a free to download software), is loaded with free downloads for educators and has a wealth of audio books and podcasts that are appropriate for the classroom at both the elementary and secondary level. As well, there is a lot material for professional development for teachers (e.g. podcasts on how to podcast - I thought this was funny, but after further research, I learned that the number topic in podcasts in education is podcasts in education...).
Apple Canada is not paying me for this endorsement, but I couldn't help but add my two cents worth about this worth while opportunity that I think can be afforded to students.
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