Incorporating iPods and Handheld Devices


Today’s Topic:
Incorporating iPods and Handheld Devices
Tech Tip: Create Easy and Attractive Newsletters With LetterPop!


  • How are iPods and other handheld learning devices energizing teaching and learning?

  • What are some examples of effective integration of mobile learning tools?

  • Where can educators find high-quality podcasts to use with students?

Handheld Devices Make Inroads in the Classroom
The Glencoe/McGraw-Hill staff describes the advantages, benefits and uses of personal digital assistants (PDAs) in the classroom, and gives examples of innovative K-12 projects.

Elementary School Students Become Podcasting Pros
The Apple Education staff describes how third/fourth grade teacher Bob Sprankle ‘s students enthusiastically produce their own podcasts and strengthen reading, writing and research skills.

Learning in Hand: Find Podcasts
Educator Tony Vincent has compiled a list of the best podcast directories for educators to use with students and for professional development.

Integrating MP3 Players in the Classroom
Brad Niessen lists 23 creative ideas for using MP3 players: including creating audio study guides, practicing guided reading and assessing students’ reading skills. The site also includes a podcast with more details about educational uses of MP3 players.

Podcast Rubric
UW-Stout instructor Ann Bell has created a succinct rubric which evaluates seven aspects of podcasts: introduction, content, delivery, interview, graphic and music enhancements, technical production, and group/partner work.

Tech Tip – Create Easy and Attractive Newsletters With LetterPop!
It’s now easy to create free, professional-looking newsletters with attractive graphics and fancy fonts using LetterPop! online. Choose from 24 drag-and-drop template designs and add your own text and photos (free registration required). Just click in the box under Start Here to name and create a sample newsletter. You may email your completed newsletter or print it from the Website.

What Our Students Are Saying...
About the online course Learning Applications for the iPod® and Handheld Computers:

What was the most meaningful and useful to you about this course…

“This was the best on-line class I have taken. The instructor gave positive feedback on the lessons and the class discussions were always pertinent. The creation of the audio podcast was most relevant to me. I found this is something I will be able to use right away with my students."
~Elementary School Information Specialist - DoDDS Schools at RAF Alconbury, United Kingdom

“…I think my confidence level in working with this type of technology has increased ten-fold. I also feel that the format of posting was invaluable, due to the incredible resources of the class. You did a marvelous job of organizing a class that kept our interest and made us want to exceed our own expectations. My perception of the use of digital media has changed drastically. My students will greatly benefit, because I now am enthusiastic and excited about using this technology, and I will try new things, which in turn will increase their enthusiasm and motivation.”
~Kindergarten and High School Drama Teacher from Wisconsin

“I really enjoyed the mix of students from all over the world--what a great opportunity to hear about what else is going on outside the US. We are often so isolated, even though we have the greatest communications systems!"
~ CESA Program Director - Green Bay, Wisconsin

Call University of Wisconsin-Stout Online Professional Development
(715) 642-0209 if you have questions. UW-Stout is an "international-student- friendly" program.






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posted by Karen Franker, Editor @ 2/05/2007 10:08:00 PM