What is an iPod?

• A media storage device that allows for multimedia playback. 
• There are currently 3 types of iPods- the iPod shuffle (audio only), the iPod Nano (audio, images, and text), and the iPod (audio, images, text and video). 
• The iPod is popular both because of it's attractive design and because of it's versatility

Educational Uses of the iPod

The iPod can be used as an assistive learning tool for both special needs students and students enrolled in regular classroom program 

1) Accessing, reading, and listening to digital texts including novels

• The iPod allows for displays of text

• Free services allow an iPod user to download public domain books to the iPod (Project Guttenburg, Manybooks)

• Librivox - online service that allows iPod users to download public domain audiobooks for free

2) Multisensory tests and quizzes

• Create test questions using MS PowerPoint slides, save the slides as images, and upload the questions to student's iPods
• Special Ed. modification - narrate test questions for students who cannot read or have students who would normally require scribes record their answers to an iPod (requires a $50 mic adapter)
• use iQuiz to create multiple choice tests

3) Tool to Review Lessons and Concepts Taught in Class

• Digital Flashcards by StudyStacks
• use iQuiz to create student review questions in the form of a multiple choice game that can be played on an iPod

4) Use a video iPod to download/create video content

•  If your school has a subscription to Unitedstreaming, you can download full video content and have students upload it to an iPod
• Use free services such as Vixy.net to download videos from YouTube, Metacafe, or TeacherTube directly to an iPod
• Student can create their own multimedia digital stories and upload them to an iPod 

What is iTunes?

iTunes is a free software application that has two main features: (1) iTunes plays and manages media on an iPod; (2) Provides access to both free and for purchase digital audio and video content from the iTunes store. Educators can access a large quantity of free audio and video content through podcasts found on the iTunes store

Educational Uses of iTunes

1) Using iTunes to Access Online Professional Development and Educational Materials

• Access PD podcasts
• Download learning materials and online tutorials posted by various Faculties of Education from various North American universities on iTunes U

•  Access high quality learning videos and podcasts produced by educational media companies such as the Discovery Channel

2) Using iTunes as a Platform for Students to Upload their Digital Content

• Students can create their own podcasts as culminating activities and upload their work on iTunes to make it available to the world

What are Podcasts?

A podcast is simply a digital media file that is distributed over the Internet.  The content of podcasts is highly varied and can come in either audio or video format.

Educational Uses of Podcasting

• Access educational podcasts and play the podcast to your students much as you would show them a video
• Teachers can create supplementary course material using podcasting and making it available to students - i.e. Scott Allsop - History Teacher (England)
• Have students create their own podcasts and upload their work to iTunes - make students work available to the world; i.e. Radio WillowWeb

How Can Cell Phones be Used in My Classroom?

Mark Prenksy, in his article, "What Can You Learn from a Cell Phone? Almost Anything!" discusses a multitude of ways in which teachers can access a tool that students already possess, namely cell phones, and use them as a learning tool. Here are some ideas on how cell phones can be used in the classroom:

• Use a cell phone's built in mic and camera to record lab observations in science class
• Access and use the calculator in math class
• Use the calendar tool to organize due dates and set reminders
• Read a novel during english class downloaded from Wattpad or Manybooks.net
• Document important sites during a history fieldtrip and present findings in a digital travelogue