Week 9 - iTunes University

I think iTunes has really hit on something with iTunes U. I think this could be more useful than using an iPod in class. Sure, iPod - iTunes same maker. But what I like about iTunes U is that you don't have to have an iPod to use it; it can be used on iPods and computers. This is in my opinion, much more practicle than expecting every student to own an iPod. Computers are different and very versatile in their capabilities. So with this iTunes U program, students have the choice of using a computer or a iPod. I went to the iTunes website to learn about their university plan. The site gave overviews for each person involved in using the iTunes U program; administrators, faculty, students, and how you can use this program away from campus. They described their program in a couple short paragraphs and got their point across quickly and easily. I like it when I want to use a program and have to read a 100 pages on it to learn about it. If you want to check the site out, here is the link:
iTunes U

Another great thing about this programs is that all kinds of people can use it. There are so many people out there, even in other countries, that can't afford to go to college, but still have a great thirst for knowledge. A Washington Post report says that everything on iTunes U is free. This could be great for all of those broke college students. That report also says that iTunes doesn't get any kind of tuition for it, neither do the schools. I think for this program to be implemented in colleges and university 100 percent, the schools will want to find a way to be able to charge for the service. Kind of like why moonshine is illegal, because the government can't find a way to tax it. But while it is free, it think it is great and should be used. To see if iTunes U is for you, check out this website:
Is iTunes U for You

Week 8 - iPods

I think iPods and mp3 players are great and are getting better everyday. But, I think people depend on them and computers too much. If I had a child, I don't think I would want them to have their teacher teach them solely through an iPod. I think our world is becoming too dependent on electronics. The way things are headed, we will not need real teachers or even real classrooms, because we will have a computer teaching our children. Like a teacher of mine said, "You can't play ball with a computer." Humans need companionship and I think with all of the new technology, that companionship is being lost and that is really sad. That being said I never really thought about using an iPod for teaching until we used one in my EDM class to voice record a presentation. I think this could be very useful.

A pfd report about Duke University said they tried an experiment in 2004 using iPods. The report said that iPods were used for all kinds of things in the college curriculum, including lecture recordings, classroom portals that all class information (songs, lectures, speeches, foreign language content), study devices and file storage/transfer. However, they encounter many problems as well. If you wish to read the whole report on the good and bad findings Duke University using iPods click here:

Duke University iPod Report

I think iPods could be used in a classroom, but I also think they could cause a number of problems as well. The main one being that public schools do not require tuition. Duke University handed out iPods to every student. The money had to come from somewhere, so I would say it most likely came from a tuition increase; just like the colleges that 'give' every student a laptop. But like I said, public schools can't require a student to have a laptop or a iPod, nor can they buy one for every student. Being that teachers could use their own iPods to help enhance their class, maybe the schools could supply classrooms with an iPod. It's defiantly something for me to think about when I become a teacher.

Week 7 - Fischbowl Blog, November - Why Wireless

The man that writes this blog has a way with words. Even if you are reading something that you don't completely agree with, his words will make you think and re-analyze your position. He makes some very good points about wireless online connection. He wrote a letter for his school newsletter about why his high school needed a wireless connection. He put this quote in his blog and I think it pegs his point completely:

"The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot
read or write,but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.
- Alvin Toffler"

Everybody will tell you that when you buy a computer that it will be obselete within the year. So why, with all the new knowledge that is learned everyday, would anybody believe that what we learned 5 years ago will be the same today.

I think with this blog, he is trying to make a point to parents that students have to have the resources available to them if they are expected to keep up with other schools and other countries. I for one think wireless access is a wonderful idea for high schools. Some students might be able to come across a laptop somewhere, but then they have parents who will not or can not pay for internet access. I think, like any other thing, wireless access should have rules for when and where the students may use the wireless connection, but on the whole it a great tool for any school to have. For more information, click here:

Why Wireless