Assignment+1+Articles

[] This is a article that highlights four reasons the iPod touch is a great resource in the classroom. When reading this article I found it appealing to use the iPod Touch for the reason of Podcasts will be much better because of the newer features of the the Touch. It is also intriguing to have a tool that will be appealing to the students with the touch feature of the iPod. With the cost of the iPod at $229 it is not economically feasible for me to get one for each of my students, but over time I should be able to get grant money or district funds to get a classroom set.

[] This is a site that allows kids to create their own podcasts. I think this would be a great way to have students teaching students using technology. I know in my second grade classroom my kids love learning from one another. Students also enjoy showing their knowlege of various concepts in various ways--a podcast would be a great form of assessment. This site also will allow for kid-safe podcasts, each one is reviewed and rated. Having my students view podcasts is one thing, but having them create one would be very motivating.

[] This article discusses how a media specialists, Sarah Chauncey, uses podcasts for a listening center for students. She also recorded questions about the book that parents can access to become engaged in their child's reading. Chauncey also recorded story books on CD for students to take home with them and listen and read at their leisure. This is a great way to expose literature to children in a highly motivating way!

[] This article discussed how to use an iPod for students at risk or with IEPs. Not only can the iPod be used to enhance instruction and motivate students, but it now is being used to modify instruction for struggling students. The article suggests using the iPod to help with fluency and comprehension. Also, it was suggested that if not every student can have access to an iPod then you can rotate the use of it when reading a story or novel. It's neat to think that struggling readers can now enjoy literature of all levels.

[] This is a discussion board on classroom 2.0 that has many people sharing advice and information regarding the use of an iPod Touch. It is nice to know there is a network of people (teachers) that are so willing to help and support the integration of technology into our classrooms. There are also comments on various apps teachers have used and their opinions. Simiply and great way to interact with teachers nation wide!

[] iPhone Footprint is a website that has a list of educational apps for an iPhone and iPod Touch. Each app has a summary and detailed information including the price and ratings. There are some pretty intersting apps available--teaching kids math, preparing for a driver's test, flying a plane or leanring sign language! WOW there's a lot out there!

[] The site gives detailed instructions on how to access, subscribe and create podcasts. There is also information on the educational value of podcasts and then a link for podcasting 101 for teachers. There are also links for different podcasts and apps to view.

[] This is a post from a teacher having great success in using the iPod Touch in his classroom. He lists the top four free apps he is using in the classroom and a description of each. The apps he has had success with iTalk, Bookmarks, WordPress and Briefcase Lite. His last comment regarding the time to play and explore your iPod Touch is key to making the use of the Touch meaningful in the classroom.

[] This is a link to a research brief written to research the effectiveness of using iPods in the classroom. There are many universities that have been using iPods as a study aide for students. One nice use of the iPod was to view lectures as a podcast and then you have the ability to fast-forward to a part of a lecture that may not have been easily understood or a section to review for an exam. The paper also discusses the interesting point of education becoming more of a form of entertainment with the use of an iPod and other technological applications.

[] Susie Meserve interviewed Robert Craven, education technology coordinator for the Orange County Department of Education in California. In the interview Craven states that iPods offer astounding possibilities for education. The benefits for students include the ability to record themselves reading or to make their own podcasts.