iPod in Education: The Potential for Teaching and Learning

K.THIYAGU NEW FRONTIERS IN EDUCATION 2012

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iPod in Education: The Potential for Teaching and Learning

K.Thiyagu,

Assistant Professor,

[email protected], [email protected],

8760910980

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Educators all over the world are examining the methods, and tools required to

develop the 21st century skills our students need to succeed in their schools, workplaces and

civic lives. One device many educators are already using in their classrooms with great

results in the iPod. Teachers are using iPod to support second language learners, address

the needs of diverse learners, motivate struggling readers, as well as to support their own

professional development. And, because the iPod is mobile, teachers and students can learn

where and when they want. With the entrance of the iPod into popular culture over the last

few years there has been an increased interest in the use of the devices in education. It is

becoming apparent to educators that the combination of iTunes and iPod and with the

advent of Podcasting this potential is now a reality. This article explores the educational

uses for teachers and pupils of the iPod – iTunes combination in the classroom.

Key words: iPod touch, iTunes, Podcast, education etc.,

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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Introduction: iPod touch and iTunes

iPod touch is an easy-to-use mobile device with many uses. It can be used to store

and play audio and video, view images, and access the Internet. Teacher and students can

use the productivity applications that come with iPod touch to send and receive email, take

notes, use a scientific calculator, keep calendars and contact files, access Google Maps, and

much more. And by choosing from hundreds of education applications available for

download from the Apple App Store, teaching and learning is expanded even more.

Students can view the stars, learn a language, review math facts, and learn about history.

With iPod touch, everyone can copy and paste from application to application, such as text

from a webpage to a note. iPod can also be connected to a TV or projection device (with an

added AV cable) to display slide presentations and other files. And, with the addition of

earphones with a built-in microphone or a third-party microphone (sold separately), iPod

touch can be used to record any kind of audio file—from class lectures to poetry readings.

Loading files, applications, photos, songs, and video content onto an iPod touch is simple.

iTunes is an application for organizing and playing digital audio and video content.

It has an incredibly easy-to-use interface for managing the content on iPod. iPod touch and

iTunes work seamlessly together to synchronize music, video, and other files available on a

computer with iPod touch. This can be set up to happen automatically so that when an iPod

touch is connected to a computer, the iTunes library is automatically synced to the iPod

touch. Adding content to your iTunes library is as easy as downloading it from the iTunes

Store or importing a CD. The iTunes library can hold a collection of digital audio and video

files, such as music from a CD, video files downloaded from iTunes U, and audio books

purchased from the iTunes Store. As an iTunes collection grows, you can maintain multiple

libraries for classroom use.

Applications of iPod in Education

Using iPod in the classroom can also assist in helping students’ master content

standards. Capturing the attention of today’s students can be challenging, and using iPod

with audio books is yet another way to get students engaged in learning. The following are

the applications of iPod in Education. Hear iPod in Education can be subdivided in to three

parts.


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For Teachers

There has been recognition for some time that the iPod – iTunes combination has

the potential to be a powerful content delivery platform and this can now be exploited in a

number of different ways.

Recorded lessons: With an iPod and microphone or suitably equipped computer it

would be very simple for a teacher to record a lesson and to put these online for pupils to

access after a lesson. This could be to help those pupils who missed the lesson or to help

pupils to review their lessons later on. The recording and sharing of lessons or lectures

could be an interesting way for educational institutions to share teaching resources.

Assessment: An iPod could be used to record a pupil’s progress in reading,

foreign language or in their understanding of a subject. For example a teacher could record

a student reading over a period of time and keep this as a record of progress to be shared

with colleagues or parents. This could be stored in iTunes, on an iPod or burnt to CD for

archiving and sharing.

Language teaching: Both iTunes and iPod can be used to teach languages very

successfully. iTunes can use recorded words and phrases accompanied by adapted cover art

images or words to teach a language. The audio can also be given meta data via the

comments section of the audio files information settings that will enable iTunes to be

searched. iPod can use audio files in a number of ways. It can use conventional playlists

and cover art plus the note reader feature of iPod found in the Extras menu. This allows a

menu to be created that links to audio files on the iPod. This means that a teacher could

create a set of phrases that show the written text in both languages and on a button click

will provide an audio version of the file.

Information delivery: Because of its ability to handle audio, images, text and, in the

case of iTunes video the iPod –iTunes combination is great for the delivery of all sorts of

information. This could be, for example, audio commentaries on a subject being undertaken

by the pupils such as a piece of literature. The information could be in the form of a PDF in

iTunes or as a text file on an iPod. The teacher might want to give the pupils information

via a short video clip that is to be discussed in class or in an assignment.


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Audio books: Audio books are a powerful way of getting pupils interested in

reading and there are now large numbers of them available. The combination if iTunes and

iPod means that it is possible to combine written text and images within the audio book

format to enhance the experience. For example the text could provide a teacher

commentary on the text in the form of notes or it could include the actual text if needed.

The audio book format also remembers where you were the last time you were listening to

the audio file.

Podcast course material: With Podcasting the formats of enhanced Audio,

movies and PDF can be delivered to a pupils computer and iPod automatically with no

effort on the pupils behalf. All the student has to do is to subscribe and then make use of the

material.

For Pupils

iPod and iTunes gives opportunities to pupils to create and share different media

with a wide audience in different formats.

Digital Stories: Using an iPod or iTunes is a great way for pupils to deliver and

share digital stories. The digital stories could be simply an audio story or a combination of

images and audio. The images might be digital photographs or scanned images that the

pupils have created. The digital stories could be delivered as a playlist in iTunes and on an

iPod with the images being delivered as cover art.

Podguides: A Podguide is a variation on the audio books mentioned above but is

designed to allow pupils to provide a guided tour of a variety of different situations. The

sort of thing that could be produced could be a pupils’ interpretation of a local museum, a

guide to the local area or an explanation of a project they have completed such as a design

and technology project.

Podcasting: Podcasting is a great tool for pupils to allow them to create content

for a real audience. The Podcast content could almost be anything ranging from a

traditional radio show to something with a sharp curriculum focus. These Podcast could be

produced using the enhanced format that includes images, chapters and hyperlinks.

Documentaries: Using a suitably equipped iPod or computer pupils can easily

record material that will help them create documentary type projects. This could include

interviews with other pupils or with expert adults. The documentaries do not have only to

include recorded material but images as well.


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Reading Records: Pupils can use suitably equipped iPods and computers with

iTunes to keep a record of their reading progress. This could include short reviews of books

that they have read or recording of them reading out loud. This can be used by teachers and

parents to review progress and for pupils keep an audio record of their reading progress

over time.

For Both (Teachers and Pupils)

The applications that come with iPod touch offer a set of valuable resources that

support teaching and learning in the classroom. The following are the general applications

of iPod for both teacher as well as pupils.

Music: By tapping Music on iPod touch, Teacher can access content that has been

downloaded from iTunes, including enhanced podcasts, audio books, student voice

recordings, famous speeches, songs, and more. To browse audio collection, tap Music, then

tap Playlists, Artists, or Songs.

Video: iPod touch allows to view full motion video downloaded from iTunes,

including free education movies in iTunes U, feature films, TV shows, video podcasts, and

instructional media. Also, iPod touch integrates seamlessly with iMovie, so student

productions can be viewed on the go. Videos play in widescreen to take advantage of the

full iPod touch display.

Photos: With Photos on iPod touch, everyone can view photos and images

transferred from their computer or saved on iPod touch. Photos can be viewed in portrait or

landscape mode and as a slideshow. Photos can also be used for wallpaper on iPod touch.

Notes: With Notes, everyone can easily add, read, and revise notes that appear

onscreen on a yellow notepad. Notes can be used for to-do lists, for taking notes as students

work on collaborative projects, at staff meetings and field trips, and more.

Calculator: Calculator makes it easy for students to keep track of their

calculations—when tap the add, subtract, multiply, or divide button, a white ring appears

around that button to indicate what operation is selected. When rotate the iPod touch, it

changes to a fully functional scientific calculator with dozens of functions.

Mail: The Mail application can be used to receive and send emails when the iPod

touch has joined a Wi-Fi network that is connected to the Internet. The email account

settings need to be added to iPod touch Settings or in the iTunes iPod touch preferences

pane. Calendars: To keep track of important dates or school schedules, Teacher and

students can use the Calendar feature of iPod touch. Teacher can enter and edit calendar


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events directly on iPod touch. Teacher can also create calendars with iCal (included on

every new Mac) or Outlook, such as a class calendar with due dates for projects, school

holidays, field trips, and other school activities, and then sync the calendar to iPod touch to

share with the class.

Clock: Teacher and students can use the Clock application to see what time it is in

other parts of the world, to set repeating or one-time alarms, and use a stopwatch and timer.

Contacts: Teacher and students can have contact information synced to iPod touch

from MobileMe, Address Book, Google Address Book, Windows Microsoft Outlook, or

Microsoft Exchange. Teacher can also add contact information to iPod touch directly.

Settings: iPod touch settings can all be adjusted in the Settings window. Everyone

can set their wallpaper, screen brightness, and settings for network, mail, web, music,

video, photos, and more. In Settings, Teacher can also set auto-lock and a passcode for

security and restrict access to explicit iTunes content and certain applications.

iPod touch and iTunes as powerful educational tools

Innovative educators are using iPod touch and iTunes as powerful educational tools

to meet students’ academic needs and to help them achieve 21st century literacy. With the

pocket-sized iPod touch, students have a tool that’s custom-suited to the tasks they need to

handle every day. Addressing students with special needs, such as visual and auditory

impairments, is also made easier with the use of iPod touch and iTunes.

iPod touch is a mobile learning tool—allowing anywhere, anytime access to

applications, video, audio, photos, and to the Internet and email via a wireless

network. Its mobility also means that students can readily share their work with

classmates and family members.

Because the iPod touch offers mobility, it “time shifts” education, allowing the

learner to access content at the most convenient time, and as many times as

necessary.

iPod touch and iTunes are tools for delivering differentiated curriculum to learners

attachable moments at different times and locations. This is especially important for

students performing below grade level because it gives educators a way to

accelerate and extend the students’ learning time beyond the school day.


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Teachers can provide background information for students to access on an iPod

touch outside of class, which allows classroom time to be focused on discussions

and deeper exploration of content.

Whatever the subject, teachers and students will find invaluable resources to support

learning from the thousands of educational applications available through the

iTunes App Store for iPod touch. And, with a wireless network, all of the Internet is

readily available as well.

iPod touch is a valuable aid for student collaboration on projects—for

communicating with other students, teachers, and outside experts by email; tracking

due dates with the calendar; taking notes; performing Internet research; and more.

iPod touch gives educators a way to easily harness the power of the spoken word for

students, both on its own and combined with videos, photos, and other images.

iPod touch and iTunes are a perfect way to present interdisciplinary lessons that link

music, art, and literature and to enrich lessons.

Another big plus is the motivation factor of iPod touch and iTunes. They meet the

mobile and media-rich learning styles of today’s students and allow them to learn as

they live—on the go.

Teachers are using iPod to help students learn a foreign language, become better

readers, reinforce math and science concepts, and support the diverse needs of

today’s learners. The opportunities are endless.

Conclusion

Innovative educators, from instructional leaders working in state capitals to

classroom practitioners responsible for a single set of students, are exploring how iPod can

serve as a powerful educational tool in teachers’ and students’ efforts to achieve 21st

century literacy. What they are discovering is that iPod presents a number of educational

affordance; for instance:

Because iPod is portable, it can take learning beyond the boundaries of the

classroom.

Its fit -in-our pocket ease offers anytime, anywhere opportunities for teaching and

learning.

With the creative support of life, it can help foster students’ information, visual and

media illiteracies.


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It enables teacher to promote collaborative, independent and differentiated learning,

adapting to the needs of each learner.

It is inexpensive relative to laptop and desktop computers

As a professional development tool, it expands opportunities teacher have to

strengthen their understanding of the subjects they teach and wide the repertoire of

the instructional strategies they use.

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