Sort of a ramble to follow . . . but just started thinking of uses/
how we are/will be using. Summary: I think there are uses, there is
some hardware I would suggest, and you are going to need staff
development.
With our last lab purchase, we took the option of 40 free Nanos -vs-
5 more computers. We have used them for tests a majority of the
time--teachers have recorded their tests and those who would like to
listen to them while taking have that option. Then you're not having
one person reading a test for 5 students, for example. They are able
to go at their own pace. Again, this is relatively new . . . I
offered a class last fall for HS staff, and will be doing another
district wide this spring regarding how to record the audio files (we
use GarageBand and create podcasts). As this becomes more in demand/
used . . . we will be needing to purchase some docking/charging
stations. There is a cart that allows you to sync the file you want
uploaded to all at one time. You can also purchase smaller sized (I
think allows you to charge 5 at a time.) I can also see these become
listening centers at all levels, as more people become trained and
comfortable using them. Belkin has a product that allows you to
connect up to 5 headphones to one iPod--I bought it for my kids
(well, sort of for me as well) for around $20 this weekend. That's
how I could see the listening center thing take off at all levels.
Also some great uses for listening to Podcasts, things off of iTunes
U . . . again, all areas of focus in the tech. staff development
stuff I'll be offering this spring and summer. I could also see this
for audio books and loading the books for kids to read along to.
(Isn't it 5 licenses per download?--pretty good deal) From some of
the courses I offered last summer . . . I know some of the teachers
were using the recording feature from GarageBand and then having kids
read speeches, record timed readings, etc.--and then were going to
have students listen to their own voice. The upper level grades were
also going to use it as a critiquing tool.) This could be another
use with the iPods for things like speech class. Oh, and I also
bought quite a few USB microphones. I think I have Logictech off the
Co-op that were around $15 each. This allows some flexibility for
the recording and kids or the teacher don't have to be talking into
the computer. When you are using a technology the kids are using, I
think that is great as well!
Feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions.
Thanks!
Jackie
On Feb 17, 2009, at 9:05 AM, Linda Huseman wrote:
We have been throwing around the idea of purchasing iPods at the high
school. If any of you are using or have used them, we have a few
questions
for you. What is the educational value of using iPods in the
classroom?
What types of things have classrooms done with them? Have you come
across
any problems and is Apple willing to help? Besides the iPods,
what kind
of hardware will we need to get started? Do you have any other
suggestions
that you can offer?
Thanks
Linda
Linda Huseman
Technology Coordinator
Alta Community School
101 W. 5th St.
Alta, IA 51002
200-1331
200-1400
200-1602 (Fax)
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