I know it has been a long time since my last post. However, I am back. There apparently was a problem with the ordering process (not Apple Inc. related) and we seemed to have to wait forever to receive the class set of 5 iPods, voice recorders and iHome stereo (allowing for group work at one iPod).
We created a terrific activity, which involved student groups of 3 to rotate to iPod stations. Each station had a different video clip or two from United Streaming (www.unitedstreaming.com) downloaded to it. The students had a graphic organizer for sorting capital, human and natural resources found in the deciduous forest. They rotated to the stations, watched the movies and recorded oodles of resources provided to us by forests.
The result? They were able to observe the interdependence between humans and our natural resources.

A little background on our students: They are students in a 70% at risk school. They were considered to be a “tough bunch” and actually take a lot of TLC in order to get anything done.
How did they do? FABULOUSLY! You would not have recognized the class during the iPod station work! They were conversing, collaborating and getting along. The homeroom teachers and I just kept walking around and smilig the whole time. We did the lesson today with a second class and the same thing happened. The instructional coach walked in and reveled in the moment as well. He commented taht every child appeared to be engaged and excited about learning.

Pedagogy:
Students were discovering not being told (constructivism)
Students were working collaboratively (real world experience)
Students were moving with a purpose and active (brain based learning)
Students were watching video (visual learner needs)
Students were writing down observations (text based learners)

So far so good! I cannot promise to write every day -or even every week. However, I will try to write and share the iPod in the classroom activities we use. I may even include video from the classroom after we receive parental permission. This is a new tool to all of us. I will be sure to speak honestly about what works and what does not. Please share iPod ideas you have tried or think we should try in the classroom through our comments section.
Thanks!