Using iPods in Instruction

I was very interested in evaluating the use of iPods and podcast technology in the claaarooms across the country today. I found that some schools are using iPod technology to assist students in subjects such as writing, ESL, and foreign languages as early as elementary school. For example, some schools are setting up writing centers in classrooms and using iPod technology to expand writing skills. In these centers, students can start and stop passages at their convenience, skip from chapter to chapter in reading passages, and have more flexibility in the brainstormeng, drafting, and final writing process. Wahoo Public Schools is a good example of use of iPod technology in the classroom. On his website for the school system, District Media Specialist David Privett offers many resources for teachers wanting to use this technology in the classrom. He also has a way for them to share information with each other in order to make the experience more mrsningful. Its set up much like our own A.L.E.X.
However, it was Duke University's use of iPods in the classroom that I found most "cutting edge." Duke Universdity began giving out iPods to incoming freshmen. Programmed into the iPods was information such as the school orientation information, school calendar, and class notes. In addition, some upperclasses were required to use iPods in order to organize class notes, assist with projects, and complete assignments in selected classes. The initial year was such a success that it got teachers talking about the relevance of iPods in their classrooms. Students were requesting classes that used iPods and so on. Needless to say, the program at Duke University was a great success.
As an educator, this information got me to thinking of ways that I can use podcasts and iPod technology in my own English/Language Arts Classroom. Since students typically learn by doing something that is meaningful to them, to own the iPod may facilitate them "owning" the class. This in turn just might lead to them taking a mare active role in their learning. If the learning can be facilitated to this degree and can be broadened to beyond the classroom, perhaps students can collaberate together and find English/Language Arts a positive, fun experience. Lets encourage the use of iPods and other technology in the classrooms!