Technology Tip Number 20
Do You Know What an iPod is?
Just in case you didn’t hear about the
original iPod here’s the deal. It’s a hand held computer device for
listening to music. Here’s a more descriptive definition from the
internet: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod,
and here's a picture of an older one on the right. Most recently you
might have heard of the iPhone
which also comes from the Apple Computer
Company.
In schools all across the country more and
more students (and staff members) have these handy devices and use them to
listen to music downloaded from the internet. You might think of it as a
digital update on the old “walkman”
from years gone by. So what’s the big deal about the newest iPod? The
newest one plays downloaded video as well as music and music videos. This
means that for about the cost of a new iPod and couple more dollars for the
show teenagers can discretely watch “Sex and the City” during their next
English Class. Just thought we’d share that possibility with you.
There’s another more positive possibility to
consider. Such hand held video technology could be used for good in
education also. For example podcasting could give students an
opportunity to create their own downloadable radio show. Here's a
link to more information about
podcasting in the classroom. And here's a link to some
free MP3 versions of books that you can download from the
Education Technology Clearinghouse at
the University of Southern Florida:
http://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/
PRACTICE ACTIVITY: If
you work in a classroom ask your students to show you an iPod. There's
probably at least one of them in most middle to high school classrooms.
TO KEEP ON LEARNING:
If you would like to learn more about technology like the iPod and other
trendy technology try searching the internet for:
How
MP3 works
MP3 player ratings
Emerging technology
Just in case you didn’t hear about the
original iPod here’s the deal. It’s a hand held computer device for
listening to music. Here’s a more descriptive definition from the
internet: 
