MyPod Project

Presented by Lisa and Stuart MacKenzie

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What is the MyPod Project?

Engaging Mobile Learning Innovative Relevant Differentiated Collaborative

Educational Advantages to using an iPod touch in the classroom

The iPod Touch is a small, portable device with a unique multi-touch graphical user interface. When educational software is loaded onto the device, it becomes a fun and exciting tool for learning.

The multi-touch graphical user interface allows for even pre-readers or English language learners to benefit from it's use. By linking pictures to words and an intuitive menu system, young children can navigate through the iPod Touch's software making it far more dynamic than a book.

With a $200 price point, it is more affordable than a typical laptop. Having capability beyond educational activities, most notably music and games, makes it something a child will run towards instead of away from.

http://www.squidoo.com/ipod_education

Our very own pre-readers …

We were convinced of the educational value of the iPod touches the moment we saw our two children (4 and 16 months) interacting with the device and demonstrating their learning through play!

Other iPod programs

The MyPod Project is innovative and unique to our cluster, but it is certainly not the first of its kind.

The iSchool Initiative

Though the content is American, the video below makes some excellent points for the benefits of adding iPods to the classroom.

Click the monitor to view the video.

The Worongary SS MyPod Project

2 x iPod 3 rd

$212.00 ea

Generation iPods 2 x Silicone Gaming Grip

$10.00 ea

2 x Screen Protectors

Free with gaming grips

10 x Headphones

$0.00 ea - donated by a parent

2 x Belkin Rockstar Splitters

$19.95 ea

iTunes Gift Card

$50.00 ea

The Reaction?

“WOW!!” “That’s so great, I have been giving my students my iPhone to use!" “I thought these were just for gaming!” “My son is learning so much from the science apps” “I understand it now!” (by student using fractions app) “Why don’t all schools have these?”

We have the iPods, so we’re done?

In short ….. NO!

Just giving a student an iPod is not going to transfer learning any more than handing them an encyclopedia.

As with all teaching, it is in the delivery and implementation that learning will occur.

What educators need to ask themselves is “how can this device add value to my curriculum?”

The Apps

There are over 20 000 educational apps in the iTunes app store.

Be discerning!

Some of the apps are useless, mis-placed or in different languages.

Some are so confused at what their task is.

heavily laden with advertisements that the students could become Luckily, the majority of the apps out there are highly educational and relevant to what we are teaching everyday.

The key is to find the relevant apps!

Where are all the ‘good’ apps?

The Web

There are hundreds of websites and blogs out there that list the top 100 education apps and so on. These lists are a great starting point, but everyday new apps are being released, if you blink, you might miss them.

Our advice? SUBSCRIBE!!

Some people/sites to look up: • • • • • • Tony Vincent Jonathon Nalder Kate McColl The Learning Innovation Centre Appolicious Moms with Apps

Join the conversation …

We use Twitter to follow the conversation. There are some fantastic educators throughout the world that are using iPods/iPads in the classroom. On Twitter you can listen to and participate in discussions with these people, and others.

• • • • Follow the Hash (#) tags #ieap #slide2learn #edapps #edapp We’ve also created a twitter list that follows a number of these leaders, as well as developers of educational apps and app list groups. Check it out at: http://twitter.com/smack31/mypod

‘Stalk’ an expert!

Tom Barrett

the classroom.

has some great ideas on using the iPod in Tony Vincent has a fantastic website for mobile learning called Learning in Hand Kate McColl is one of the leaders in EQ on using iPods in the classroom.

View her learning pathway on the new learning place.

And lastly? Ask us!

Stay in touch to view our our blog.

full range of apps on

BUT ….. is it all about the apps?

NO!

Don’t forget that with the iPod, you can also: • View/Create Podcasts • Edit photos and movies • Surf the net • Stay connected with online networks • Schedule events on your calendar • Manage your contacts • … and more!

Remember …

It’s not about what, or how many you’ve got … … it’s about how you use them!

@smack3131 @MrsMacKenzie