Blog Post 2: Handheld Devices

            In the article, “Integrating the iPod Touch in K-12 Education: Visions and Vices,” the author explains how using the iPod Touch in the classroom can help teachers educate today’s digital learners. The author makes some points about how iPods can be used in the classroom environment. One point being that the iPod Touch is easier to hold and more portable than the iPad (Banister, 2010). This means the little hands of younger students, such has pre-Kinder, Kinder, and First Grade students can easily hold and manipulate the features of the iPod Touch.  A second point is that the iPod Touch comes with many purposeful apps such as Maps, Clock, Calculator, and Weather that can be utilized for math, science, and social studies lessons.   Another way this particular device is a great educational tool is with Internet connection, the iPod Touch provides access to Web 2.0 tools like YouTube, music, podcasts, and pictures (Banister, 2010). Access to these media tools allows students to explore their creativity and become innovators (Banister, 2010). The iPod Touch extends student learning by providing students with real world opportunities to be problem solvers and critical thinkers. Students can move away from paper and pencil tasks and become 21^st century learners.

            As there has been a push for the library to be transformed into the media hub of the school, I think using the iPod Touch or even the iPad in the library would be beneficial for students of every age.  Of course, I could download audiobooks for students, so that students can hear and read along with a story, turning the devices into e-readers.   Using iPod Touch or an iPad, I could show students how to access Overdrive, so that they can download and check out books on their parents’ or their own devices at home.  I would like to show students how to use the media features of these handheld devices to create commercials or book talks to promote and recommend books for other students and teachers to read.  As a librarian, I could expose all the students to various projects and activities integrating literacy with math, science, and social studies skills.  Using the Weather and Maps apps, I could have the students use what they know about weather patterns and explore a new town, state, or even country on the map. Through Facetime or Skype, the students could chat with someone from the area they researched on the map.  Students could even become pen pals with a student from that area and exchange emails. Using the Clock and Calculator features, students could calculate the difference in time zones and the travel time to different areas they explored on the Maps feature.  For intervention time for struggling students, I could download apps that foster math and reading skills. Handhold devices seem like a must for schools in order to support learners in today’s digital world.  These devices provide students with opportunities to be challenged.  With the vast abundance of tools and apps, the iPod Touch and the iPad open doors for students and bring the world a little bit closer to home. 

References

Banister, S. (2010). Integrating the iPod Touch in K-12 education: Visions and vices. Computers in the Schools, 27 (2), 121-131. doi: 10.1080/0738056100380561003801590