Using the iPod as an educational tool
With more of our students using portable music devices, have you had any experience using these devices as an assistive technology tool? I am most familiar with the iPod and using iTunes as my means to download music, books and podcasts. In looking at the features, I have found that it is capable of downloading contact and calendar information from Outlook and storing data files much like a jump drive. Alarms and reminders can also be set. With these features, it can easily be incorporated into an assistive technology device. In addition to downloading audio books and e-books, word documents can be converted to e-text document for students with reading difficulties.
Classroom lessons can be enhanced using podcasts. On those devices with photo or video storage, pictures can be stored for the student needing visual cues when performing a task. Have you had any experience using these tools with your students? How beneficial was it?
Comments
Great....I see much potential in the use of these portable tools.
Posted by: Fran | May 8, 2006 12:57 PM
I had a great experience with the iPod this past week; listened to an entire book on tape while driving to see family (a book that I had been dreading reading--as opposed to a fun "beach read"--this was for work!).
Not being an auditory learner, I figured that I'd be asleep at the wheel in a matter of minutes--not true! The sound quality was good, and the reader was a live human--much better than Microsoft Sam or other automated voices, in my opinion.
I had been hesitant before about too much reliance on auditory means of information transmission, but am now thinking twice. What a great way to make a long bus ride more meaningful for kids! Also, a way for students to stay in afterschool sports without sacrificing so much study time--always a tough issue for struggling learners who are enthusiastic athletes. Now they might listen to their textbooks or novels assigned in class while running, working out, or sitting on endless bus rides to "away" games!
Posted by: Susanne | June 7, 2006 9:02 AM
I must admit, like Susanne, I'm not an auditory learner, either. But I've also found my iPod an invaluable tool recently, since the Economist magazine has started to publish all its articles in mp3 format. I first listen to the articles during "wasted" time (travel, etc.) and then re-read the ones that I find most interesting, relevant to my teaching, etc.
Posted by: Terry Roberts | July 25, 2007 1:27 PM