Integrating the iPod Touch in K-12 Education: Visions and Vices

This article discussed the how to incorporate the iPod touch into classrooms today. An iPod touch is a handheld electronic device that has endless possibilities to use in the classroom. I really like all of the applications that can be added to the iPod touch for early childhood, which is what I am certified to teach. There are numerous sight word games, math games, books, science applications, and many other applications that can be used in a K-3 classroom. The sight word games would be great because as the child looks at the word, he/she can also hear how the word is pronounced. Books can also be viewed on the iPod touch and heard, which is a new and exciting way for students to read and be read to. I think that students would enjoy using the iPod touch because it is something new and different and can truly engage the students. With a wireless connection, students would be able to access the internet using the iPod touch. They can surf the web, play educational games, or do other various activities on the internet without having to go to the computer lab or wait their turn to use the classroom computer. The iPod touch is a new and different form of technology that I think that so many students would enjoy working with in the classroom. I would love to continue playing with the iPod touch to find even more applications that I would be able to use in the classroom, and would think that other teachers may enjoy it as well. I think that one of the only downfalls is the price of the iPod touch. If a school is low on funds, it would most likely be too expensive to purchase a classroom set of the iPod touch.

New research literacies for contemporary research into literacy and new media

“Young people, more than most age groups, are taking opportunities to videoconference and make telephone calls over the Web and to participate in text-based or graphics-based live chats with others across the globe. They are using the new media to participate in computer game culture; popular music culture; and forms of fan culture associated with sports, film, and television” (Nixon, 2003, p.407) Technology is becoming more prevalent in our students lives. I think that it is important for teachers to integrate these new forms of technology into their classrooms. This article discussed some of the ways students can improve their literacy skills from using media literacy as opposed to only print literacy. When using media literacy students can: make meaning from texts and images online, produce music, videos, and media presentations (such as PowerPoint or Imovie), they can communicate in untraditional ways through technology forms of email, chat rooms, instant messaging, or even text messaging. I think using these forms of technology integrated with traditional print will make lessons and activities more motivating for students. Students love using technology and do it on a daily basis, why not include it in our classrooms? I think that there are many literacy computer games that are available for teachers to use in the classroom that will motivate students to read and complete activities using technology. During my student teaching, I observed my third grade students and how excited they became when it was their turn to use the computer to do the “Reading Counts” activities. Using this activity motivated the students and engaged them in literacy tasks. Why not use it???

Using E-Books in Education

For this article, I am responding to the section on using E-Books in the classroom. Electronic Books, or E-Books, are becoming a common and popular in society today. I think that with the push of technology the use of E-Books will become more prevalent in today’s classroom. The article discussed how students may be more motivated because they are more engaged when using the computer and more comfortable. E-Books may even be more convenient for teachers because they are stored on the computer rather than mounds of books piling up in the classroom. I think that E-Books are something that could be used in all grade levels. Kindergarten classes could create their own alphabet or counting books whereas older students can create more detailed stories. I think that E-Books are a great way to integrate technology into reading curriculum. E-books often offer word searches, bookmarks, or other tools to enhance the reading experience. I think that these tools may make it seem more hands on for the students. E-books are also something that teachers can have their students create. I think that students really enjoy creating their own books, and that many of them may be even more motivated when they are creating their own E-Book. There are so many different topics that students could use to create an E-Book. They could do research projects or just their own stories. I think that students would enjoy publishing their own books, and sharing their E-Books with their peers. It would be neat to be able to save the books on the classroom computer and allow all students to read their peers work.