iPod+Touch+in+the+Classroom

=iPod Touch in the Classroom=

[] [] [|Google Docs Spreadsheet of Educational Apps for the iPod] Communication Email, Chat/IM, Blogs, RSS, Skype Applications – many of these are free or very cheap General Purpose (there is a free kindle app, USA Today, NY Times, local news, Pandora)
 * Bump allows file transfer by bumping knuckles while holding the ipod (FREE)
 * NASA (FREE)
 * Periodic Table - can do by table or name (FREE)
 * Clocks for Kids - to teach analog clocks (FREE)
 * World Fact Book – info, maps on each country updated every 2 weeks (FREE)
 * Can download DES video and do a “save for ipod” then sync them all
 * Cram - create a test, sync it, and kids take a practice test – shows right/wrong answer
 * Google docs can be used with the touch as well

Barriers to Implementation: Money (maybe an alternative to laptops/desktops?), Networking policies – filtering stays in place while at school, but goes away when somewhere else, Time to work out the bugs, etc and make it work (student liability, permissions, etc), Digital Divide Issues – some students have wireless access at home which gives them a leg up on others


 * Many free applications can be downloaded to help in the classroom: Cram, iVoice, Bump, Kindle, etc.
 * Great collaboration can happen between students and teacher - interdisciplinary applications abound
 * Hindrances (and possible solutions):
 * Money (grants)
 * Time (upfront planning pays off with student success)
 * Digital gaps - ie students have access to different technology tools (provide alternatives - libraries, universities - public WiFi)
 * Thoughts - this is the forefront of student learning, however, may be premature due to the upfront costs and availability.