In society today, IPod's and MP3 players have become common household items. People young and old use these portable devices to listen to thier favorite music wherever they go. There is no doubt that these pieces of technology are benefical in a recreational aspect, however the common question is are they beneficial in education?
IPod's and MP3 players are beginning to become incorporated into the everyday cirriculum. Since most of today's IPod's and MP3 players have video and photo capabilities, teachers are beginning to use them as substitutes for common classroom items. Instead of using index cards as flash cards, many teachers having their students put their information on their IPod's and using them as digital flashcards. Through their IPod's students are also able to sync with the computer, and access class lecture notes, data, etc... Although these tiny forms of technology are very helpful in the classroom, they also contain downfalls. According to the Associated Press, many students have been caught cheating via IPod. Students are able to store notes or even answers in the lyrics portion of the IPod and view them while taking tests or quizzes. Because of its compact size, the IPod is easily concealable which makes it easy for children to cheat.
According to Associatedcontent.com 32% of students have never considered cheating, 50% of students would prefer not to cheat, and 18% of students have admittedly used IPod's to cheat. After researching the topic of the usage of IPod's and MP3 players in the classroom, the question it ultimately boils down to is "Should students have to power down before entering the classroom?"
Citations of Sources:
http://www.associatedcontent.com
Learning Connections article in Learning and Leading with Technology magazine
15 comments:
I think that MP3 players should have little to no use in classrooms. I think that digital flash cards are not necessary. The only class I could see an MP3 being beneficial in is music class.
I believe that if kids wanted to bring their ipod, it would not be of harm. But when they do it has to be used only during a resource time. I believe in my classroom I will have back round music playing because I believe people work better with the music. Overall if my music is not playing there really should not be any music allowed.
I agree with Nikki! I think that it would not be harmful in the classroom. If the class were to abuse the ipods then they can simply stopped being used! I think it is a quick and easy way to present the notes also.
I agree with Nikki! I think that it would not be harmful in the classroom. If the class were to abuse the ipods then they can simply stopped being used! I think it is a quick and easy way to present the notes also.
I don't think i would use MP3s or iPods in my classroom during a test but I think it would be reasonable to use it as a way for students to study before a test. So i guess i would have them shut down before coming to class to take a test.
I would never let my students use their ipods or mp3 players during a test. I think it would hurt some children but then again it could help some students but I would not want to take that risk.
I believe that using Ipods to study would help some students, because different people learn in different ways. I would allow students to study using their Ipods but I would not let them use it durring a test. I would make them shut them off
I agree with Megan. I remember being in high school when not everyone had a cell phone and students were already using them to cheat. Maybe students could make a podcast to help them study for a test.
I agree with Kenny about making a podcast to help study for a test. A podcast can be helpful for students to learn the material because the students will be making the podcasts and learning the information by making them.
I agree with Gina. I do think that using ipods as flash cards is a really interesting idea, but not necessary in the classroom. If children did not use them, it would get rid of the problem of cheating.
Using these devices could potentially be beneficial ways for students to study and comprehend information, however they should be off and kept in lockers or at home during a school day. If that rule is not enforced, how do teachers expect students not to cheat? I know from experience that I keep my phone on silent even when teachers impose that we turn them off. What's going to stop children from doing that?
This question is for Emilee... when you did your research, were the percentages of children who cheated using Ipods in classrooms where teachers allowed the use of them, or were they just ipods for the children's own use?
I do not know if I would like the idea of using flash cards on an ipod. I think it would encourage cheating like Katie said. I do not think that would be such a great idea.
It's kind of off the subject but, how would using ipods to study effect low income students? Is it fair for some students to have these for studying at school while others can't afford them?
Kenny, Makes a valid point...not every child can afford or have access to an MP3 player. I don't think it would be fair if some students used their mp3 players and some students didn't because they don't have one. Also, I don't think that the schools would provide funding for MP3 players.
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