I have been promoting the use of ‘An iPod in Every Classroom’ at eTech Conferences and smaller venues for the past few years. I enjoy presenting the many uses an iPod offers in education, and the list continues to multiply each year. What began as a way to deliver audio and video podcasts to students quickly, and more importantly easily, has blossomed into iPods being used to document student readings, interactive personalized quizzes, SAT and ACT practice, PowerPoint conversion, and much, much more. Oh, so much more, but now the I believe even that glass ceiling has been shattered with the release of specialized iTunes Education Content and now, even more amazing, iPod Touch/iPhone applications focused on education. Things are about to get interesting.
In an earlier post I announced the release of iTunes University creating a special section for K-12 content. Educators now have a wonderful library of excellent audio and video podcasts to download and integrate into their lessons for free. Now not only can educators easily create excellent podcasts easily with an iPod, now they have treasure trove of resources.
Twenty-one iPhone/iPod Touch apps are currently in the iTunes App Store with many more about to be released. The current lineup includes foreign language study, flashcards, math simulations, eBook reading software, anatomy, other specialized science content, and more. Some of the apps are free downloads, others are small fees, and a couple are about the price of a good book. Students can study flashcards, create their own, or review with interactive quizzes. Some of the science apps and foreign language apps are just amazing by allowing users to have a pocket palanetarium, view three-dimensional models of hydrogen atoms, or record and play back foreign language practice. As if that weren’t cool encough, the app store isn’t even two weeks old yet.
Certainly more apps are on the way, but what I am really interested in is the ability to easily create my own. I read an article today that Stanford is now offering a class on designing iPod Touch/iPhone application design. I am hoping that an easy-to-use program for educators to create specialized review lessons, games, and other content will be released soon. (That is my hope; I have heard nothing. I don’t think it would be that difficult.)
I will be reviewing education apps independently on site, so keep checking back. If you would like to submit a review on an edcuation app or share how you use technology in our classroom, please send us an email to wirededucator@gmail.com.
Apple is billing this use of iPods in the classroom as Mobile Learning. “iTunes U and Mobile Learning: The road to knowledge is wider than ever.”
Aug 19, 2008 @ 21:20:27
I am just getting started in my research of using ipods within a first grade classroom to help in reading.I am interested in writing a grant for this- I was wondering if you had any suggestions/ideas about this??
This week’s iPhone in Education links at iPhone in Ed
Nov 03, 2008 @ 08:05:51
Apr 02, 2009 @ 21:26:56
Wow!
That’s an idea that is worth a million.
The students are connected these days and, as educators, we have to provide the content to them in ways they’re gonna feel involved. Otherwise, we’re back to the old model of Education.
Thanks!
Apr 12, 2009 @ 16:34:21
I’ve just received a set to begin using in my classroom. I initially used them during the writing test as personal spell checkers. The students did AWESOME! I’ve begun downloading/ buying apps to help with units on the solar system and the Oregon Trail. I feel that I know so little, yet the possibilities are endless. I look forward to reading about more ideas from you!
Jun 05, 2009 @ 05:42:46
This is exactly what i (a high school student) have been working towards for the past 5 months. I have started an initiative called the ischool initiative which is trying to bring technology into the classrooms, specifically the ipod touch. Check out my website at ischoolinitiative.com and watch my youtube video if your interested.
Look what I found! 06/05/2009 | a whole new dianne
Jun 05, 2009 @ 20:47:21
Jun 30, 2009 @ 05:11:23
This is exactly what my non-profit orginization is all about. I am an 18 year old student who has put together a group called the ischool initiative and its goal is to bring technology to the classrooms, specifically the itouch. Please come and check out my website and leave a comment on the guestbook. See what you can do to help the cause!
http://www.ischooliniative.com
iPods in the classroom « Andrew Robbo's Blog
Sep 30, 2009 @ 08:44:10
Ipod Touch in the Classroom | Technology for Teachers
Nov 09, 2009 @ 15:24:59
Using an i-Pod touch in education « Learn.Create.Teach
Nov 23, 2009 @ 22:09:30
Jan 02, 2010 @ 04:31:49
@ Janice:
Try using them with reading fluency. Have students record themselves reading and then listen to how it sounds.
Or, have some older “buddies” record some of your class books. That way, when you import to iTunes, you’ve got free audio books for your students to listen to (and it was good fluency practice for the older students!).
What could the Apple iPad do for science? | science before breakfast
Jan 28, 2010 @ 04:14:51
Jan 28, 2010 @ 20:45:56
ipods rock
Feb 13, 2010 @ 19:10:15
hi allllllllllllllllllllll
» iPod Touch For Whom the Blog Rolls
Mar 03, 2010 @ 20:34:54
Mar 27, 2010 @ 09:20:04
The ipod touch 3G was the first ipod I had ever purchased. It was a big decision too, as the thing is a bit pricey. However, I just thought I was buying myself a really cool music player. I didn’t realize I was basically getting an Iphone (better than an Iphone if you ask me# that can’t make phone calls!! It surfs the web, gets on itunes directly from the ipod, and plays games/apps just like an Iphone. I do love the large selection of free apps; they are not as good, generally, as the ones you pay for, but still neat. Also, the itunes app is incredibly user friendly, as is everything else on the touch. I forget how much money I’ve spent sometimes!! #minor flaw—it’s almost TOO easy!# The only cons I can think of are that the battery is not the longest lasting–unless you turn the brightness down to pretty dim–the wireless is not as strong as that of a laptop, and you can’t edit playlists/rename songs or really do anything other than play songs using the ipod itself. It all has to be done on the computer. Also, it needs to come with a charger other than the link to the computer. I don’t always have a computer handy, but I almost always can find a wall outlet. It comes with nice headphones that sound great and stay in your ear well #I do love to run with it), and the genius feature is great for this as well.
Mar 27, 2010 @ 10:00:10
Purchased as a gift because my sister-in-law loved mine. This gadget, or mini computer is excellent for wifi usage in the home and is really great for trips. No need for the average person to take a laptop on trips, especially if you just use it to access email, internet information etc etc. The itouch will do all of that and more, but you must have a wifi connection. I love mine and so far she loves hers.
Glen A. Ritter
May 23, 2010 @ 05:35:03
Please help my class is in a contest to win 75 iTouches to use as learning tools. We really need to spread the word and get more support. We have to be in the top ten to win!! Will you please vote and help us spread the word! You can vote EVERYDAY until June 1st. Please send the link to your friends and family, we would really appreciate your voting support!
http://www.refresheverything.com/anappleaday
Thank you,
Sally Cavanaugh
Aug 24, 2010 @ 14:08:30
I am a University of Professor who does research in iTouch in elementary education. I recently won a Pepsi refresh grant and I am using the money to integrate iTouch;s into a combined First Grade and Kindergarten class. I am looking for game ideas for education. My University students are creating specialized apps for the current school I am working with, you can see some examples at http://hartwood.umwblogs.org/ but I really want new ideas. We are trying to create these apps for you the education community.
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