Christina shares a video about using Ipods in the classroom in her post Introducing Ipods into Special Education. It was a great video and it got me thinking about ways I would use it in my classroom of high school students who were getting an occupational diploma.I think this would be a great way to show task analysis of different behaviors that the student may be weak in. It could be social skills or job skills. First I would plan all of the steps and then model each step. This could be videotaped and copied on the Ipod and the student could review it as many times as necessary. When one of my students start a new job, all the procedures that would be done could be modeled on a video and the student would be able to know which step to do next and how to do it. As an employee goes through the correct steps, it could be videotaped and discussed. Then the video could be put on the Ipod for review as many times as the student needs it. It would also be available if another student gets a job at the same place. Cooking skills could be taught the same way. Each step of the recipe could be videotaped and replayed as necessary.
Math lessons could be videotaped and played on the Ipod at home. This is especially handy if the student can’t remember what step to do next. Or the parent might not understand what procedure the teacher is asking for and the parent would be able to look at this also. I have had some parents who enjoyed learning new skills with their child because they wouldn’t have to admit that they didn’t know something.
I would think it would also be a great way to video tape a lesson where many of the students are absent due to some other activity. I have had half my class on a field trip or away on some athletic activity but I still had to teach a lesson to the rest of my class. The lesson would already be taped and when the absent students return, they would be able to see the same lesson and the same discussion that occurred.
Many parents may find seeing what goes on in the classroom useful. They will get to see the teacher in action and may find a closer bond with the teacher this way. If there is a closer bond, parents and teachers tend to work more as a team to help the child be successful.
These are just some ways I thought of using the Ipod in the classroom. Do you have any other suggestions? Please let me know.
Original image: '"Studying for class"' http://www.flickr.com/photos/30885355@N00/109039319by: Jake Bouma
11 comments:
I have been experimenting with posting video online, which would also make it available for an Ipod. Unfortunately the equipment needed is out of reach in my district at this time. It's amazing the extent that funding, or lack of, controls what we do in the classroom.
I think this is definitely something that will become common practice in time.
Pat,
Although not in Special Education, we're currently piloting the use of video iPods with a select group of 5th grade ELL students. We're focusing on key math vocabulary words and concepts that have been identified as troublesome on state tests in the past. The students love the videos they watch and the "games" that are being incorporated.
I truly believe the "return on investment" of this type of technology, especially one that the kids can take home, has been seriously underestimated. We started small, only with 5 video iPods, to keep the pilot manageable and because of funding constraints. It's our hope that if (when) we can demonstrate the effectiveness of this type of intervention, then we'll be able to secure additional funding to expand it in other areas.
What a great idea!!! Thanks!
Pat,
This is cutting edge! Where can I get a grant to get Ipods.
This rocks...
Bill
I like this. Another benefit of the video instruction for child & parent to view at home is that it places the parent in a position of supporting the teacher's instruction rather than getting frustrated when they don't understand and expressing it (not nicely) in front of their child. Reality is that some parents don't understand the concept or the method of solving the problem, either because it's different from they way they remember learning it or they never got it and are getting bad flashbacks. A common reaction is to gripe against it and belittle it or its necessity in front of the child. The child inevitably reveals this at school somehow and continued review & practice sessions are not pleasant for anyone. Ipod video instruction is a subtle way to knock out much of this needless animosity (in 'regular' as well as special ed.)
Questions (for Caroline and/or whomever): do the Ipods go home AND return? What do you do if they don't?
This is a great idea! I thought about something like this before, but this technique is better.
Mr. McGuire: Maybe you could download some information for students who have their own Ipods or mp3 players. Our district has classroom sets of mp3 players for teachers to check out for the year and I didn't know that.
Caroline OBannon: Thanks so much for sharing your story. It sounds wonderful so I hope you get your additional funding in the future.
CC: Glad you found this info useful!
Bill: Have you tried Donorschoose.org? Also, I have gone to the rotary and lion's club organizations to see if they would sponsor specific projects for my class.
Margaret: Great points about easing parent/school communications. I have heard from teachers who check these out to students that they have had no problems with them being lost or stolen. Students understand what a unique experience it is and do not want to lose the privilege so they take good care of these during the year. They are checked out to students just like library books and expected to turn them in at the end of the year.
Post a Comment