Use of iPods in Instruction

This assignment involved researching how iPods have been used in educational instruction. I found an article from the International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. (www.isetl.org/ijtlhe) This article spoke on ways in which the iPod has been a useful source in educating students today. First of all, almost all students have access to it. Second, most students are more motivated to learn by using it. So, educators today are re-working curriculum plans to adapt to the iPod approach to better reach their audience. Last, it is a mobile device for learning in that students can use it anytime and anywhere. Therefore making it a flexible approach to learning. The article spoke on using it as a creativity device. For example, students can explore and demonstrate their creativity by recoding themselves and then watching their own experience. This is something, most students would not do in a typical classroom setting.

Duke University was a site I went to for ideas on how they incorporated the use of iPods in education. (cit.duke.edu/tools/mobile/index.html) I was shocked to see that they actually give iPods to students whose professors are actually using it as an educational device. Duke gave many examples on how they use it throughout their campus. The library is downloaded and students are able to connect with a reference catalog and use reference servers. Students have the ability to check hours of operation, availability of books and availability of computers. They also use it for customizing quizzes through iQuiz, create flashcards through Studycell and record notes or interviews for course projects through Gabcast. Classtalk is another form of use whereby it creates a 2 way network for class polling and quizzing. This allows instructors to also send feedback to students through messaging.

Through the iPod, you can post lectures and have student reviews. It can turn lessons into engaging experiences by allowing students to share photo slide shows and complete pod casts. For more information on the benefits of iPod use for instruction, visit apple.com/education/teachers-professors/mobile-learning.html.