iPod Touch-Part 3

When I first received the iPod Touch, I was very excited to find ways in which I can implement its use in my classroom. As time started passing by, however, I realized this was a tough task. The more I got to know my school, the more I realized their standpoints on technology. It’s not to say that they are against technology because this is in no way true. Currently, the staff is going back and forth on the idea of allowing Netbooks or Kindles in the school. Only a few classrooms have allowed this, and most teachers are still contemplating the idea. For this reason, its usage was limited.

Still, I strongly believe students would benefit from this device. An entire classroom can enjoy classical music while they do their work, helping them in their concentration. ELL students who are working on vocabulary can use this tool during certain parts of the day, especially if they are not getting the extra help they need at home. I know a student who is new to the U.S. and is working on her vocabulary. Her parents provided her with the iPod Touch and purchased applications to help her with her vocabulary, writing, and math (learning the English words for mathematical terms).

Teachers can use it for a variety of reasons too. I used it numerous times to record the students during interviews. It can also be used to take role, or keep track of assignments and meetings. If a teacher has stations set up for literacy, and to target different ways for students to learn, one of the stations can have four iPods. When the kids get to this station, they can practice applications that cover a variety of areas, all chosen by the teacher.

Because students learn in so many ways, it’s great to have a tool like this in the classroom. Kids can’t learn everything on paper and pencil. They also need manipulatives, books, and technology. Having a class set or at least a few in the classroom can be very handy to the teacher and students. I hope to see this implementation in all schools very soon, but if that doesn’t occur, how will those students keep up with technology advances?

iPod Touch- Part 2

My current thoughts for using Touches for differentiating learning for students are that they are great tools for them. These particular students would highly benefit from an ‘x’ amount of time every day or a few times weekly with an iPod. Teachers can use it for various things too! For one of my assignments, I had to interview five different children. It was great not having to worry about writing everything down. I simply recorded them using the Voice Memo function. Throughout my days, I can record any notes for things I have to complete that night on the Notes application.

My main placement is a second grade class. Many of them are still learning how to sign into computers and search the web. While in computer lab, I see the students becoming more excited with the use of technology. With practice comes comfort, and with comfort comes the desire to explore the possibilities. I’m sure the kids would love to use the iPod for various activities, and I know that differentiated learners would benefit from this. I would simply wait for the kids to continue becoming comfortable with technology. If I had an older class, I would incorporate the iPod Touch immediately. However, for the young kids, I would probably wait until the half year point, unless I can designate some time to teach the specific student one-on-one how to use it.

While I don’t have a lot of experience using Touches in the classroom, the little bit that I do have reinforces my beliefs of the benefits it can bring to any school. My concern is that not all schools can afford this. What comes next? What are other more financially obtainable forms of technology that can be afforded by a school? Are there any? I ask because the iPod Touch isn’t exactly that expensive, and yet most schools don’t have them.

iPod Touch, Part 1

It’s exciting to think of the ways classroom environments have changed with time. Here we are posting ideas of how to integrate an iPod Touch into our classrooms! Who would have thought this 50 years ago? The education system is changing and as teachers we have the opportunity to incorporate innovative technology into kids’ worlds that will make their learning very enjoyable.

Below I talk about three students in my main placement who I feel would benefit highly from using the iPod touch for certain activities.

All the students’ names have been changed to protect their identity.

A)

Steve is a student that gets distracted easily. If a student in his table moves the desk slightly or makes a noise, it completely throws him off to the point where he begins making noises and becomes a distraction to his classmates. I have noticed that when the teacher starts playing music, he clams down and seems less stressed. This is what brings me to the idea for Steve’s situation, which is to give him the iPod along with some headphones. With this he can listen to soothing classical music I have downloaded, allowing him to focus only on his work and not become distracted with his surroundings.

B)

Ines is a student who seems to struggle with spelling. What is particular about this student is that she doesn’t like asking for help. Once I offer my help to guide her in sounding out the words, she is accepting of the assistance. Still, she is refusing to ask for help when she needs it herself. Overall, she is a quiet and shy student, and I feel this plays a major role in her reluctance to speak out. For a student like this, who in her writing has displayed an interest in marine life, I would have her play the Spelling-Wiz-Oceans game on the iPod. It will introduce her to various marine life and increase her vocabulary as well as enhance her spelling skills.

C)

Kevin is another quiet student who struggles with math. He seems to be distracted a lot in class lately, mostly towards the last part of the day. I have worked one-on-one with him and math seems to be of no interest to him, and his grades are suffering. He saw me walking around the room with the iPod recently and he seemed interested with the gadget. My goal would be to set a daily goal for him during math. If he can complete the assignment (or whatever goal I set for him) he can use the iPod Basic Math application for the remaining ten minutes of the lesson. I feel that using the Basic Math application where he can practice addition, subtraction, and eventually multiplication and division, he can become interested in math and actually begin to enjoy it.