Using iPod in Medicine

Many teachers are against the use of electronic equipment such as iPods and telephones in the classroom because it is a distraction to both the teacher and their students.  Interesting enough, Ohio State University's Medical School found a great way to incorporate the use of the iPod Touch and the iPhone in education as well as in medicine. In the classroom, the medical school students participate in interactive sessions and even take notes on their iPods and iPhones.  Professors at Ohio State found that their students are more curious about their learning and are more successful. 

Using the iPhone helps medical school students become better doctors.  They have the freedom to listen to the lecture podcasts as much as they want and can take their lectures everywhere the go.  Additionally, by using these devices, they have the ability to show ready made pictures about their patients condition, they can look up medicines, and do the necessary research to ensure that their patients are receiving the care they need.

Incorporating the use of the iPod and iPhone is a great way to keep students at all ages engaged and excited about learning.  Ohio State University's Medical School found a great way to promote learning and improve efficiency.

Check out the full story and video clips to learn more about how the iPod Touch and iPhone is being used at Ohio State University's Medical School.

Copyright Awareness

As educators, we must be mindful of copyright laws so that we are not violating those laws in our classrooms.  Ignorance to copyright laws can lead to your school being sued for violation.  As I became aquainted with copyright law and the fair use policy, I realized that educators can be in violation if they don't request permission to use materials or if they use too much of a specific material. 

Due to budget constraints and advanced techology, educators are more prone to copyright violations.  The violations are not limited, but include:

1. The use of multimedia images, pictures, and videos.  The use of motion media must be limited to ten percent or three minutes.  When photos are used, less than five images may be used from a photographer and if collective works are used, no more than ten percent or fifteen images can be used (whichever is less).
2. Reproducing copies of materials to distribute.  Under the fair use provision, teachers are able to reproduce materials for classroom use with out a license or permission from the owner, but they are not permitted to copy complete pieces.
3. Requesting permission from owners to use materials.  Teachers must request permission  to use educational materials when the use falls outside of the available exemptions

Since technology has become an essential part of education, I feel as if the top two issues regarding copyright law relate to the use of multimedia images, pictures, and videos, and the reproduction of materials to distribute.  Since these items are easily accessible from the Internet, it is imperative that educators stay connected with copyright law.  Consequently, if educators keep these issues in mind and follow copyright laws, they will set a standard for their students to follow and will ensure that their institutions are protected from legal situations.  From reading about copyright laws I realized that in the past, I have been in violation without knowing.  It is important for us to continue to research these laws as we implement technology into our curriculums.

Improving Literacy with the iPod Touch

Struggles with reading comprehension and literacy have been an ongoing issue in society for years.  Kathy Shirley, Technology and Media Services Directory of the Escondido Union School District, recognized this need and felt that fourth grade students at Central Elementary School in Escondido, California would benefit from the use of the iPod touch in their classroom.  As a result, teachers and students integrated the iPod touch into their language exercises. For example, the students read passages out loud in a specific amount of time.  After six weeks, teachers found that students exceeded their progress six times the normal rate.  After using the iPod six months, students gained almost two years of reading comprehension.  Additionally, the students were found to be more engaged, motivated, and invested in their own learning because they were able to hear their recorded voice as they read.

Additionally, students using this technology learn how to write and critique their assignments.  The teachers and students at Central Elementary School blogged on a consistent basis regarding their experiences.  Students were also able to share writing and projects with their teachers, families, and one another.  Teachers gave feedback to their students which promoted the students to be more engaged in their learning.   

Using the iPod touch is a great way to incorporate technology into the classroom.  As teachers we have learned to use the same technology that our students use and incorporate it in their learning. It is amazing to see how one small piece of technology increase literacy and comprehension rates so fast.  With the educational struggles we face today, incorporating the iPod touch in the elementary school curriculum would be a great asset.

How "Open" Should a High School Be?

We have all heard of online universities such as the University of Phoenix, but how would you feel about an online high school?  Utah, has an Open High School where the entire learning experience is facilitated online.  The way that this high school is structured and facilitated is phenomenal.  It allows students to have a flexible schedule, learn at their own pace, have one-on-one assistance, and live full lives.  Attending this high school provides a great opportunity to those students who are responsible, self-directed, and mature.  Students who have a hard time following directions and are not serious about their education would struggle.  This type of high school would appeal to the 21st century student because it incorporates the technology that these students use on a daily basis.  I find it extremely interesting how the teachers are able to revise the curriculum based on their students' performance.  The best thing about this school is that it is free!

Potential challenges I see with an online high school is that the students may not have the opportunity to develop or utilize their social skills since their interactions are completely electronic.  Additionally, these students may not have the opportunity to participate in sports or other extra curricular activities with their classmates.  High school is a very important time in a teenager's life and they should have the opportunity to interact with their classmates on a regular basis.

If I were in high school, I would enjoy some flexibility, however, I would not enjoy taking all my classes online.  I think a combination of the traditional high school and the open high school would be a great asset to high school students.  With a combination students will have the emotional interaction they need, and be able to use the technology they enjoy using in their lessons.

Video Conferencing in the Classroom

At times, children feel that going to school is a burden.  They are bored, uninterested, and tired of learning the same way every day.  So, what is the key to keeping your students engaged?  Teachers must learn how to appeal to all learnng styles in the classroom.  A great way to keep your students excited about learning is by incorporating video conferencing activities. 

Video conferencing takes education to a new level.  It allows students to interact with people all over the world.  They are able to expand their knowlege to new capacities; see and visit places they never dreamed they would see, and meet people they never thought they would meet.

Personally, I think students will enjoy the use of this technology in the classroom.  By incorporating this type of technology in the classroom students will learn better communication skills, gain a sense of confidence from their interactions with other students, and have the opportunitiy to learn from each others experiences.

What is Your Favorite Ed Tech Tool?

The use of technology has become an essential function in the classroom.  It is imperative for teachers to incorporate the use of technology in their classrooms to keep their students engaged and excited about learning.  In the article, "What is your Favorite Ed Tech Tool?" Paul Wurster polled members of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) to see what Ed Tech Tool they preferred to use in the classroom.

It was a bit surprising to see that the top preference was to use internet tools and resources such as e-mail, search engines, Creative Commons, wireless access, and video on demand.  These results were a bit contradictory to the article by Martha Irvine, "Email has become the new snail mail".  However, when it comes down to the classroom, teachers have to be flexible and use what their students best respond to.  Personally, I would prefer using the Interactive Whiteboards and Projectors because they can be used in a variety of ways.

I am interested in your views on this topic.  Check out the You-Tube video below on Interactive Whiteboards and please respond to the poll.

J. Lyons