iTunes University

iTunes University is an educational version of the iTune store. Apple has made thousands of audio and video clips available for download to assist teachers and students with their instructional need. Colleges and Universities can develop their very own itune library for their students to access. This is very convenient as anyone with a MAC, PC or iPod can use this info from anywhere even away from school.

I don't know how often I will use this technology in my own curriculum though. Although I love advanced technology I am really not that savvy at it. I don't own an iPod and I've never downloaded music from iTunes or any other site. It's not that I would not find this useful I just have not had the extra money to purchase all the gadgets and gizmos to become part of this major movement! I guess I'm waiting for the iPod to become a little cheaper before I take the plunge!!

Duke and its use of iPods

Duke University began distributing iPods last fall to students to use in certain classes. The students eligible for these devices were enrolled in classes that had been approved by the universities Center for Instructional Technology (CIT). There were 11 classes that participated in the Fall and 17 in the Spring. The devices were given to the recipients pre-loaded with orientation material.

They were given to the students with the hope that they would learn to incorporate the use of technology in their studies. Fortunately they were successful as many were using them for things like gathering field notes, conducting interviews, podcasting or audio blogging.

The major convenience of utilizing the iPods is that the students have more access to their assignments and make mobility much easier.

I think I may use an iPod in my own classroom one day. I will not be done with school for another two years so by then there may be even more advantages to using the device alongside my lesson plans.

LOST!

Ok, apparantly I am lagging behind somewhere because I see that we are suppose to have something on our blogger about someone named Seymour Papert. So as soon as I figure out who in the world that is I will be happy to post a blog......

Web Page Convenience

I titled my webpage on my upcoming wedding. I am getting married on 11/17/07 so I only have 4 weeks to go. Had I known about Google page creator prior to now I could have made this page very elaborate and a great tool for my guests to keep up with all of the shower, rehearsal, and wedding details. I can see myself using this tool in the future for perhaps another important event.

I changed my picture to Sepia in Picasa!

I changed my picture to Black in White in Picasa!

Print...Will it Die?

John Sledge's article, Papers future, alas, is not carved in stone, in The September 23rd, 2007 issue of Mobile Press Register discussed the idea that print as we know it may eventually die away due to the popularity and convenience of the internet. I understand why someone would believe that this could take place but I don't necessarily agree. It could be possible in a learning environment like a classroom, lecture hall, library, bookstore, etc that print would disappear because computers are such a wonderful resource. I do not believe that books will cease to exist though. I mean on a rainy day if you want to curl up with a good book it can be a bit uncomfortable snuggling with your laptop. Reading books to your children is a bonding experience that would not be as meaningful doing so with your home PC. I think teaching without books and strictly through online media could be wonderful though. No more expensive text books, the dog can't eat your homework, and as long as your server is running correctly you have access from anywhere!