In the past, I have commented and worked with mobile technologies. These are fascinating devices as they have the accessibility and portability which is inclusive of connectivity. While this was a topic of mention of Dr. Thornburg's article, Current Trends in Educational Technology (Thornburg, 2009), it bears to mention that the handheld computing capabilities are available through the iPod Touch as well. My work in the past year has focused on how to include this powerful handheld within educational settings. In fact, this meets the one-to-one computing needs of students while sufficiently reducing the cost.
Currently, within the elementary and middle school settings which I work, classrooms are using up to six desktop computers, and have recently purchased grade level carts of 24 laptops to serve the needs of the students within the schools. While this has been a tremendous infusion of technology, the cost, spotty connectivity, reconstruction of the classroom setting, the setting up and taking down of the laptops, and issues related to hardware management while sharing laptops between classrooms, have actually made this situation a bit overwhelming for many educators.
So, we have the iPod Touch, and here's what we as educators can do. Now, with this device, we have the power of computing within each child's hands. For around $200.00 per student, we can give them access to the internet, and the ability to utilize multiple (and growing) amounts of applications which would enhance and assure the engagement of each student. These devices can replace the listening centers of past, and allow for students to progress at their rate of ability. The amount of materials which are available and accessible increases by virtue of downloads. An educator has the ability to customize each handheld to the child's needs, and is able to maintain these devices while consuming less electricity! The “rearrangement” of the classroom issue, as mentioned above, would be eliminated, as well as the sharing of hardware.
While these are all fantastic additions to the future of technology in the classroom, there are also some issues which would need to be addressed in order for this type of technology to be successful. For instance, this still doesn't address the spotty connectivity students deal with when using laptops. When using the iPod Touch, the connectivity would remain an issue if connected through the building's wireless network. However, if the iPod had the capability to connect as the iPhone, through the 3G network, then the issue of connectivity could be virtually eliminated.
Other pieces which could enhance the use of he iPod Touch would be the ability to capture digital images, video and especially, sound.
So why not just get the iPhone? That would be great, too! But to quote Dr. Thornburg, “I have so many rich applications to use that I sometimes get annoyed when someone calls me to talk!” (Thornburg, 2009). Who needs that when you're face to face?
Thornburg, D. D. (2009a). Current trends in educational technology. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.
LearningInHand.com hosted by Tony Vincent is an amazing resource for educators using mobile technology and netbooks. Be sure to check out the link!
Jeannine,
ReplyDeleteThe laptop computers are a real step up from the desk-bound version. I Now have a lab with 28 computers and three of the are laptops. They are very versatile and quick in their respose. Plus they are still somewhat of a novelty and the students usually opt for a laptop rather than the desktop they are more familiar with. The only drawback would seem to be the battery life and continued use of the charger.
I have not worked with the ipod touch, but recently purchased for myself an iphone. I am really impressed with its versatility and functionality. I am just learning what I can do with it, like record the entire Aggie halftime show as my sone marches with the band. The picture is small, but the sound quality is fantastic. Waiting for the school districts to understand that if they spend on technology like this, we will be doing our students a great service.
Your posting shows that iPods can be used to increase and improve instructional differentiation to better meet the needs of diverse students. A survey this month in the journal regarding K-12 principals’ priorities in regard to teachers’ technology skills reported that the majority of respondents rated “differentiated instruction” as the most important use of technology in schools (The Journal, 2009). You mentioned the use of iPods to enable students to work at their own pace, and for teachers to customize instruction for each student, at an affordable cost. I believe that your example of the iPod may help respond to K-12 administrators’ desire for technology to differentiate instruction.
ReplyDeleteThe Journal (2009). Drilldown. The Journal, 36(8).
Thanks, both. I appreciate the responses, and will look for the article in The Journal. It will help with the cause I am pursuing with my district right now.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Jeannine,
ReplyDeleteOur Assignment for this module involves a little group coordination: "Create a tetrad of an emerging technology with progressions. All members of your Learning Community should use the same technology to create their tetrads; this way, everyone can observe the different approaches taken by their classmates. Post your tetrad to your blog, including an explanation of how it answers the following four questions. "
Do you have any preferences as to which of the four technologies we should use? Let me know and we can get started.
Have a great day.