USING MOBILE DEVICES IN THE CLASSROOM

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Using an iPod in Class Students use iPod technology at Library Learning from a cell phone Conclusion and citations

USING AN IPOD IN CLASS

At an elementary school in Idaho a sixth grade teacher, uses iPods to enhance his classroom lessons. Textbooks are still used, but the iPods are able to take learning to the next level.

Using the iPods in class helps the students become more involved in the work they are doing.

The use of class iPods have helped all types of students improve in class. The students who were behind have improved their studies, and the top students can take their studies to the next level.“the technology helped last year’s class achieve some of the highest Idaho State Achievement Test score in the state: 100 in reading, 95 in math, and 95 in language arts” (Forester, 2008)

MY PERSONAL REFLECTION While reading this article, the statement that

really clicked with me is the following statement the teacher made: “Guess what? They do it on their own, I don’t have to assign it”(Forester, 2008)

In my opinion, this is what teaching is about. Take anything available and use it to teach. For this teacher, using an iPod in class opened new doors and made learning fun.

STUDENTS USE IPOD TECHNOLOGY AT LIBRARY

The use of iPod shuffle is being used in the library at North Port high school, in Florida, by reading students. The students use the iPods to listen and follow along to assigned reading.

Using the iPod can improve the rate a student reads. It can also block out surrounding distractions.

Kristi Alexander, the school media specialist is quoted in the article “Students are coming in and seeing other kids reading with their iPods and want to do the same thing” (Gibson, 2008). This idea is definitely sparking interest in the students, and can hopefully can become a more school-wide option.

MY PERSONAL REFLECTION The following quote from Kristi Alexander,

media specialist, “If I can get them to read something they like, I know their academic achievement will improve. The students will do better in their classes.” (Gibson. 2008) I feel this is true, in regards to reading classes. Some students really don’t enjoy reading, or may be slow readers, but using an iPod to listen to the material as the student reads along will hopefully spark an interest in what they are reading.

LEARNING FROM A CELL PHONE

Most individuals probably haven’t given a lot of thought to the idea of learning on a cell phone. However if you think of each functionality of the cell phone it is quite a learning tool.

With a cell phone, even the most basic function of voice, can be used to learn. Voice lessons can be given, such as learning a language.

Lessons thru text messages can also be administered. Text messages can give reminders on homework, tests, reading material. Text messages could also be use to give questions for tests.

Voice and text are just two examples, but there is also the ability to access the internet, and download materials to your cell phone that could be used to research for homework.

MY PERSONAL REFLECTION

Using cell phones for learning can definitely be beneficial, but it also requires educators to think outside the box . The article states in reference to the students, “The first educational use they have found(in large numbers) for their cell phones is retrieving information on demand during exams”(Prensky, 2008)Given this it is necessary to think of how to use the cell phone for learning purposes that will benefit learning, not hinder it.

In conclusion of these three articles, the bottom line is anything in the world of technology can be used in educating others. It is just a matter of willing to learn how to use the technology, and incorporating it into your lesson plan, whether it is a form of listening to something as with the ipod and cell phone, or being able to find information as with the cell phone. The options can be limitless if you are willing to think outside the box.

Citations

Forester, Sandra (October 28, 2008)

An iPod in Class? In one, it’s not just OK – it’s mandatory.

IdahoStatesman.com

Gibson, Tyler (December 15, 2008)

NPHS reading students use iPod technology at library

Sun Newspapers

Prensky, Mark(August 8, 2008)

What can you learn from a cell phone? Almost anything!

Innovate: Journal of Online Learning