Embracing the iPodHow I use mobile devices in the classroom

Margaret WorkmanEnvironmental Science Program

How I have used mobile devices for teaching

• Phone as Clickers• Digital Flashcards• DePaul’s iTunesU– Podcasting lectures– Student video projects

Phones as Clickers

Phones as Clickers

• Use Poll Everywhere– http://www.polleverywhere.com– Standard text message rates apply– Company has no access to your phone number– Free version limited to 30 responses

• Types of Questions– Multiple choice– True False– Short Answer– Survey

Clickers

• Formative Assessment– Check for understanding– Student centered

• Can foster discussion– Defend their answers– Students are more comfortable when they see others

share their view• Promotes engagement– Students can’t sleep through class– Active involvement

How To Vote via Texting

1. Standard texting rates only (worst case US $0.20)2. We have no access to your phone number3. Capitalization doesn’t matter, but spaces and spelling do

TIPS

EXAMPLE

Digital Flashcards

Digital Flashcards• Easy to make• Easy for students to download onto

iPods/other mobile device• Anytime, anywhere learning for students• Students like them!• Takes extra time for faculty• Students can create

Let’s make some flashcards!

• Show Fossil Fuel Flashcards example• See handout for directions

DePaul’s iTunesU

How I use iTunesU• Audio (mp3)– ENV 102 Class lecture

• Enhanced Audio (audio and photos)– ENV 102 Class enhanced lecture

• Video (m4v)– ISP 103 Discover Chicago Field Trips– ENV 204 Student Project: Emerging Energy

Technologies– ENV 200 Student Project: Making Chicago More

Sustainablehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtQQzGORiko

Advantages

• Easily downloadable learning materials– Lecture notes– Supplemental materials– Class lectures

• Additional method for learning class content• Additional method for students to deliver content• Content travels with student• Content can be reviewed multiple times• Increases student engagement

Disadvantages

• Podcasts may require additional course preparation

• Class participation may decrease• Copyright concerns