It’s no news that iPods have a huge following and can be found literally everywhere. But is it okay to use it in the classroom? (Educators around the world collectively sigh and shake their heads disapprovingly.)
Obviously, students are more (if not entirely) inclined to allow iPods in school, while most educators unequivocally prohibit them. Let’s see how everything weighs and get an idea for ourselves, whether or not our children should take them to school.
Cons:
to. Teachers resent that students are too distracted and unable to hear them while they teach their lessons in class.
B. Students may download pornography or inappropriate media and bring it to school, where other students could be affected.
vs. IPods can be used as a cheat tool. Some teachers have heard from students planning to download math test formulas and the like.
D. iPods can be stolen.
me. Some educators worry that students will become isolated and antisocial. Instead of tuning in to other people, they stay tuned in to themselves.
F. Students can be so engrossed in listening to music that they can completely disconnect from their surroundings, causing unnecessary disruption.
gram. Students may be playing their music too loud and could damage their hearing.
Pros:
to. Students find that listening to music calms them down and therefore improves on school work.
B. Gives students something to do when there is free time at school; or while riding the bus to or from school. (Watch a movie or educational video, maybe?)
vs. Students can show their individuality by the type of music they listen to.
D. Students do not agree that they will become antisocial; in fact, they think it is a good way to connect with their peers, sharing their music with them (since there are two headphones to share with a friend).
me. IPods can be used to record lectures in class and listen to them as they are reviewed for exams. This is also favorable when the teacher speaks too fast; you can rewind and listen again.
F. Educational available podcasts that students can tune in that can help them in their learning.
gram. Students can install educational applications such as dictionaries, bibles, and calculators, thus eliminating the extra bulk to their backpacks / lockers.
h. Audio lessons can be listened to before class, allowing students more time to work during class.
I. It may be more beneficial for teachers (who have been teaching the same lesson over and over again) to record and podcast their lesson. That way, you won’t miss out on including important points in your topic.
j. Recorded lessons can be shared with students who are absent.
k. Podcast lessons are much more accurate rather than reviewing from notes.
