This morning, a student forwarded this article to me about iPods in schools. While the article mentions iPods, this could in fact apply to any mp3 player. A couple of quotes really stood out such as:
“You know the No. 1 complaint about school is that it’s boring because the traditional way it’s taught relies on passive learning,” Mr. Noguera said. “It’s not interactive enough.”
“…students seemed bored by their English-language textbooks…which they found outdated and irrelevant”
Fortunately, this is not necessarily the case at our school, however, the article made me reflect on how we are using mp3 players at ISM. In the HS, how are mp3 players used in the classroom to facilitate learning? Why are mp3 players not allowed in the MS? Now, aside from the obvious concerns about theft and loss, I think there could be real value in allowing students to bring iPods to school, however, it would require a well thought out vision that clearly outlines how iPods could be utilized and training for teachers on how to integrate this technology into the class. The groundwork for integration has already started. Training on podcasting has been offered to several departments in the school. Mp3 recorders are being used at the IB level for oral exams. The Music and Modern Language departments are recording student work for playback and self evaluation. Many of the students are already familiar with the technology and possess the tools to use it. Where do we go from here?
