Best Tech For Listening Centers?

Hello everyone!

I was approached by a teacher in another school who is considering purchasing a number of iPods, or similar devices, to distribute through their K-6 school for classroom teachers to use as listening centers. Her idea would be to install audio files to accompany the books kids are reading.

I'm not sure that is the best technology available, as we use the Califone listening centers and CDs which are fairly robust, not prone to walk off, etc. We also make use of the internet at times and ue a computer in the classroom with a headphone splitter to pair kids up.

I'd be very interested in knowing what everyone else uses. I am a very big advocate for integrating technology, but in this case I don't think the best tool for the job is the mp3 player. Unless perhaps I'm missing something.

Thanks in advance if you are able to help out!

Cheers

@acmcdonaldgp

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Permalink Reply by Alexander (Sandy) McDonald on February 4, 2010 at 2:15pm

Perhaps answering my own question a bit....but here are some options I found.

mp3 listening center:
https://www.schooloutfitters.com/catalog/product_info/pfam_id/PFAM3...

cd/cassette listening center:
https://www.schooloutfitters.com/catalog/product_info/pfam_id/PFAM6...

We use the latter, or a califone model similar to it, and it works well, but I'm wondering if we are missing out by restricting ourselves to that technology?

Cheers!

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Permalink Reply by Janine on February 4, 2010 at 7:59pm

I have found that when you match up with technology the kids have access to outside of school, the potential for change, growth, extended learning, and some real benefits to mobile technology seems to expand exponentially. Changing your system would need to be based on what kinds of devices the kids have on their own. If they too have ipods or iTouches, then they might want to put those mp3 files on their mobile devices, connecting them to that technology while in the car, waiting for their sister to get out of dance class, or just sharing with a cousin or friend. If they don't have mobile electronics at home, then I am not sure what having them in school would accomplish if they already have the audio system working. Just some thoughts.

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Permalink Reply by Alexander (Sandy) McDonald on February 4, 2010 at 8:27pm

That is a great point Janine, thanks for the reply.

Personally, I believe the future, at least for secondary school, is student-owned devices. Until then however, matching what is used in the class to what is used at home makes pretty good sense to me. That was one reason why I was happy to have found the mp3 listening center that I linked to in my second response, above. Perhaps the older kids could transport files back and forth and/or use their own devces in the class.

I'll definitely share your perspective with my colleague!

Cheers

@acmcdonaldgp

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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Wylie on February 4, 2010 at 8:12pm

You may like this article I wrote on The Advantages of Using an iPod Touch in the Classroom for Education

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Permalink Reply by Alexander (Sandy) McDonald on February 4, 2010 at 8:30pm

Hi Jonathan, thanks very much for sharing your link.

I have a couple of colleagues in the newest school in our district who are looking at purchasing a class set of iPod Touches (or more) for their school. I've been funnelling all the research and practical applications of 1:1 iPods that I find to them.

I don't think the school in question is in a position to purchase iPod Touches, due to budget constraints, but I will definitely share your resources with both colleagues! Thanks again.

Cheers

@acmcdonaldgp