ipodsintheclassroom

=iPods as assistive tools for special education students=

Research
http://media.www.usforacle.com/media/storage/paper880/news/2007/01/10/News/Using.Ipods.For.More.Than.Entertainment-2616363.shtml?norewrite200701111651&sourcedomain=www.usforacle.com The special education students are tested without the distraction of being separated from their peers, which can lead to alienation and self-esteem issues.

The video capability on the iPod offers the students the combination of a hard copy paper test, text on the screen and audio from the headphones. The multimedia approach has been shown to speed up gains by learning-challenged students, Papke said.

"One of the students said it was like he had his own assistant right there," Papke said. "If he wanted a question repeated, he just hit the button. When he wanted to go on, he would go on."

iPods in Education http://t4.jordan.k12.ut.us/t4/content/view/212/37/ > > Learning with Personal Media Players > http://www.apple.com/au/education/ipod/lessons/ > > Robin Foley, director of special education projects for the Federation for Children with Special Needs, says that portable music players like the iPod-and handheld computers like the Palm Tungsten-give special needs students greater flexibility in how they learn > > For the 2006-2007 school year, Louisa-Muscatine began downloading electronic textbooks onto the devices as well so that students could go back and follow at their own pace outside of class. In addition to their receiving a boost in self-esteem, Grimes notes that many special education students are now able to be in classrooms for longer periods of time. In the past, they were be given individual instruction with a tutor isolated from their peers, but using the iPods keeps them actively involved and allows them to stay in class. > > For some districts, iPod programs function as a strategy to accelerate English Language Learning (ELL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. San Marcos (Texas) Consolidated Independent School District began using video iPods in early 2006 as a platform for accessing English language songs and educational videos. Teachers searched media libraries such as Discovery Education's united streaming, a video-on-demand and online teaching subscription service, and other Web sites for educational videos on topics from all their students' other classes. If students were learning algebra, for instance, teachers looked for videos about linear equations as a way to increase their understanding of the English language and math at the same time. > > > 3rd Grade student - assist with test taking > http://www.apple.com/education/profiles/louisamuscatine/ > > On test days, Louisa-Muscatine third-grader Samantha used to have a pretty tough time. A Special Education student, she needed the services of an onsite paraprofessional to read the questions aloud to her, in an entirely different classroom. Now Samantha can grab an iPod, put on her headphones, scroll through the menu to find her test, and get to work. By listening to the test questions as she sees them on the iPod screen and on her paper, Samantha and several of the school’s other students with special needs are beginning to work more independently. At the same time they’ve increased their self-esteem, and have found a way to join the mainstream of education. > > “With an iPod, our Special Ed students can take their tests in classrooms with their peers and be mainstreamed in, versus having to be pulled out to do so,” predicts Grimes. “That’s sure to work wonders for their self-esteem, and help them feel like they’re more a part of the group. Over time, we’re confident that using the iPod will speed up the gains that our Special Ed students will make.” > > Other interesting information about iPods use in the classroom > http://www.apple.com/au/education/ipod/lessons/
 * Podcasts - Sync education podcasts created by students and teachers for learning on the go.
 * Audiobooks - Download audiobooks on a multitude of subjects from authors including Elie Wiesel, William Shakespeare, and Mark Twain.
 * Music - Supplement a history lesson and bring rich cultural, historical, and educational value to all subject areas.
 * Photos - Bring new life to science experiments, art history, and journalism projects.
 * Videos - Experience a wide range of visual content, from short documentaries to foreign language lessons, for even more learning opportunities.

Process
Identifying students

Identifying teachers

Purchasing equipment

CDW-G 30 G, White - 249

Training for Teachers

Registering for program, receiving iPod, and training for students

Steps to use the iPod in the classroom

Assessment
iPod in the Classroom website for - reflection by teachers every 4 1/2 weeks - tips and suggestions - discussion board for support, etc.