iPod Touch in the Classroom
12/11/2009
Thinking about getting iPod Touches in your classroom? Or have some but don't know what to do? During the last few months I've heard tales about schools purchasing this powerful tool with no implementation plan or direction.
My district is currently in the middle of implementing over 450 iPods for our special education students. Although these devices would be great for all students, the ARRA money we are using to fund the project has restrictions. Plus, I think, correctly deploying over 450 iPods is enough for right now:) Ask my family, they'd agree. I am LOVING every minute of it though. It's like being a 1st year teacher times 10.
I'm in the process of building this site and filling it with resources, tips, Building APP-titude Lessons, and more. Stop back often to check for updates.
Whether you are going small or large scale, do so with both feet. That doesn't mean buy the iPods and say, "Here you go." What it means is be willing to make mistakes and be open to change. A positive "can do" attitude if critical.
This is a program that needs to be built from the ground up. Our district completed 4 months of teacher training prior to doing anything with students. While that was going on we were holding informational meetings for students, teachers, parents, administrator, and the school board. Laying the ground work is essntial and that's the information I want to share. Be patient and I'll try and get up the essentials you'll need during Christmas break.
We also are having students progress through 4 stages of use. So far this has helped retrain the students’ "idea" about what an iPod is for, and gradually accustom the teachers to seeing them in their room. Celebrate the successes and learn from your failures.
I'm saying this now, “The iPod touch has the potential of being one of the most powerful personal learning devices I've seen in my 20+ years for teaching!”
Lisa Pospishil
Assistive Technology Specialist
Thinking about getting iPod Touches in your classroom? Or have some but don't know what to do? During the last few months I've heard tales about schools purchasing this powerful tool with no implementation plan or direction.
My district is currently in the middle of implementing over 450 iPods for our special education students. Although these devices would be great for all students, the ARRA money we are using to fund the project has restrictions. Plus, I think, correctly deploying over 450 iPods is enough for right now:) Ask my family, they'd agree. I am LOVING every minute of it though. It's like being a 1st year teacher times 10.
I'm in the process of building this site and filling it with resources, tips, Building APP-titude Lessons, and more. Stop back often to check for updates.
Whether you are going small or large scale, do so with both feet. That doesn't mean buy the iPods and say, "Here you go." What it means is be willing to make mistakes and be open to change. A positive "can do" attitude if critical.
This is a program that needs to be built from the ground up. Our district completed 4 months of teacher training prior to doing anything with students. While that was going on we were holding informational meetings for students, teachers, parents, administrator, and the school board. Laying the ground work is essntial and that's the information I want to share. Be patient and I'll try and get up the essentials you'll need during Christmas break.
We also are having students progress through 4 stages of use. So far this has helped retrain the students’ "idea" about what an iPod is for, and gradually accustom the teachers to seeing them in their room. Celebrate the successes and learn from your failures.
I'm saying this now, “The iPod touch has the potential of being one of the most powerful personal learning devices I've seen in my 20+ years for teaching!”
Lisa Pospishil
Assistive Technology Specialist