On a slightly different note. We were given a set of ipod touches to use at our school. I have been carrying one around for a few weeks. Wow has it changed the way I work. I carry it with me everywhere. I can set alarms to remind me that I need to check the computer lab "now" or be in the library in ten minutes. It carries my calendar, my e-mail, my to do list, and of course a few games. I downloaded an app the other day that will allow me to record and track my spending. (Hmmm.....that might be depressing)
The reason I write this is that our school has had a policy of "no electronic devices". As smart phones and other devices become available, I think we as educators might want to start thinking of these things as our friends. They could be a way to help our students get organized in a way they have never been before. (Of course we will need to do a little training on responsile use.) When the time comes to turn in the ipod, I will have to go buy one. (Of course now that I have the spending tracking app, I can save up for it.)
3 comments:
I'm so interested to see what happens with the itouch ... and I'm glad you've been using/enjoying yours! Here is a wiki with some ipod lesson plans:
https://rlimberg.wikispaces.com/Ipod+Touch
Deb--the itouch sounds interesting, but I disagree that we should loosen up on electronics. Today, in spite of everyone being apprised of the rules, in just one class, two phones went off and someone was fiddling with his phone while I was trying to show an important video on a serious topic. There needs to be a distinction between tools necessary for serious work and those for socialization in off times. Unfortunately, out students are often not acquiring at home the basic etiquette to understand the difference.
Here's a link to the 23 Things On a Stick NIng http://23thingsonastick.ning.com/ You can see how people have used it. I checked the settings after we talked and you can control who can see/access it/join it, so it could be very secure.
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