iPods are showing up in classrooms and they can be used as engaging learning tools. Teachers and students may already have their own iPods, just waiting to be used for learning. Some schools are spending money on these devices but may not be using them to their full potential. Sure, most people know iPods can be used for listening to audio and watching video, but there are many more features that educators can use. Attendees will learn about features, software, and uses for iPods that they probably aren’t aware of. Demonstrations of transferring calendars, address book contacts, RSS feeds, websites, and photos will be shown. Participants will learn to make their own customized dictionaries for iPods. They will also see a complete dictionary from Merriam-Webster on an iPod. Interactive “choose your own adventure” stories by fifth graders will be shown. Besides making interactive stories, iWriter, software for Windows and Macintosh, allows users to easily make quizzes, informational hyperlinked reports, study guides, and more for use on iPod devices. With each example shared, the emphasis will be on how the capabilities of iPods can be leveraged in classrooms. In fact, participants can look forward to exploring the best resources for using iPods in education. Attendees will leave excited and inspired by the possibilities of using iPods in their schools!

Outline

The session is packed with lots of great information for iPod-using educators. The bulk of the time will be used for sharing specific examples and activities. The learning will extend past the session as resources for participants will be available online.
1. Why iPods are used in schools.
2. Syncing address book contacts and calendars to iPods.
3. Making flash cards for iPods.
4. Syncing notes, documents, websites, and RSS feeds to iPods.
5. Using the Merriam-Webster dictionary and making a customized glossary.
6. Creating and sharing study guides, quizzes, and interactive texts for iPods.
7. Finding resources for using iPods in education.

Presenter Background

Tony taught in a public school for 8 years, 5 of those years with handheld computers for each student. Described by Edutopia magazine as a "tireless evangelist for the power of handhelds," Tony's specialty is creatively using handheld devices for engaging activities. He has inspired educators with presentations and workshops in 18 states over the last four years. Tony's expertise was used to co-write Handhelds for Teachers & Administrators, a book about handhelds and podcasting. Tony's website, learninginhand.com, is a popular destination for those interested in handhelds and podcasting.