iPad n Classroom 1 – iTunes U

iPads may be the next big revolution in classroom technology.  The screen is big, typing is a breeze, and it’s so light you can take it anywhere in the classroom.  Oh… and the battery life is also phenomenal.   SO, is the iPad just another techno geek tool, or can it be used to enhance student learning (ohh… and maybe teacher learning too)?   Not only do I say a resounding “YES” to the previous question, but I also contend that iPads might be the “inexpensive” answer to the one-to-one computing initiatives many districts have.  However, we’ve got to prove that they are worth the dollars we spend, especially in these budgetary times, so I’m going to highlight at least one iPad/iTunes tool a week with a curriculum focus.  Since many of the tools are interchangeable with an iTouch or iPhone, be sure to check out these ideas for even the smaller devices.

iTunes U Downloads– This might be Apple’s greatest gift to education so far.  You may have read about this or even explored it, but there is something magical about FREE!  This week’s Oz Buzz curriculum focus was about one such podcast found in iTunes U - Moments in American History.  Students and even adults can be overwhelmed by too much talking, too many images, and too many ideas presented at once. Short and quick is the name of the game for many resources in iTunes, and Moments in American History sticks to this rule.  Check out more at: http://theozbuzz.blogspot.com/2010/05/itunes-u-moments-in-american-history.html . 

iTunes U – Moments in American History

iTunes U is a great place to find quick and free podcasts and vodcasts to use with your students.  One such series that I really like is called Moments in American History.  Author, Tom Christian, has put together 2 minute or less vodcasts concerning all aspects of American history from 1750-2005.  Just a few of the topics include the Age of Enlightenment, Westward Movement-Texas Revolt, Horses and the Native American, and Framers of the Constitution.  The images are vivid and paint a visual story as the video progresses, and many pictures are primary source images, paintings, or photographs.  Students of all ages will enjoy these tiny bites of the American Story.

Now for Classroom Connections:

Bell Work: Use these quick videos as review from the day before.  The end of each video includes a quiz question that hits an important point in the video.  Introduce this question before viewing the video, and have them list information they remember/know.  Then show the quick video, and have make changes to their answers and/or add additional facts.

Research Starter:  Use this video in conjunction with a KWL chart or an I wonder chart concerning the topic.  For instance, show the “Horses and the Native American” vodcast first.  Then allow students to write 2-3 “I wonder if…” statements concerning the content of the video.  Use these questions as stepping stones for quick research/writing activities.