Thank you

Thanks to all of you that completed the survey and commented on posts.  Your contribution is appreciated by all.  I just wanted to let you know that Fox Teaches Tech is taking a break.  Posting will continue in January, so stay tuned and enjoy the Christmas holiday!

Another survey...please!!

Please take a moment to complete the survey below.  I know that you have been busy writing report cards and fighting with BCeSIS.  I am sure you are ready for a rest.  But, before you do, please take a few moments to complete this for the sake of my learning and development! :O)  Thank you!

More ideas for using the iPod nano in the classroom

In addition to the obvious features (podcasts, video recording and voice memos), there are even more ways to use iPods in the classroom.

1.  FM Radio - The 5th generation Nano comes with built in FM Radio and has a pause and playback feature.  So, listening to radio shows and weather reports is easier than ever.

2. Pedometer - The 5th generation Nano has a built in pedometer, so you can use it with your class to track km walked/run for KM Club or any fitness challenge.

3.  Music - Yes, the 5th generation Nano plays music.  Of course this is what the Nano was designed for, but with all of the new "extra's" available on the Nano, this feature is often forgotten.  Find music quicker then ever without worrying about finding a CD or protecting a CD from scratches.  The Nano will automatically organize your music for you into Genius Mixes too!  Or allow students to listen to music while working independently, if this helps to block our distractions and concentrate.

Enjoy the iPods, Terry Fox Elementary!  I want to hear all about them!

Using Audio Podcasts in the Classroom

Another amazing feature of the iPod nano is the ability to download literally thousands and thousands of podcasts and audio books through iTunes.  If you are unsure how to download podcasts and sync them to an ipod, take a moment and watch the video clip below.



As I mentioned, there are thousands of applicable podcasts and audio books available for the elementary classroom. Many of them are free and the cost of others is minimal. Here are a few ideas for ways to use your audio downloads in the classroom:

Primary ideas:

1. Download audio books to an iPod and use as a listening centre for one student. Or pick up Belkin Rockstar and have up to 5 students listening to the same audio book with just one iPod.  Audio books range in price, but are typically cheaper than a CD and are less likely to be damaged.  For example, I downloaded The Little Engine That Could for free at Free Audiobooks for Children. 

2. Download podcasts such as the Storynory or the Story Cellar to share with students during a quiet time. Many of these podcasts are free.

Intermediate ideas:

3. Use podcasts like the above suggestions to help students understand the parts of a story, how to introduce characters, develop plot, add imagery, etc.

4. Download an audio book and have students follow along as the book is read for a whole class novel study or in smaller groups for literature circles.

I know you must have many of your own ideas, so please take a moment to share how you are using audio downloads in your classroom, by commenting below.  Or post a link to a great podcast that you have discovered.  Thanks for participating!

Creating Video Recordings on the iPod Nano

This post is dedicated to interesting ways to use the iPod Nano to record video in your classroom.  If you are unsure how to record Video on the iPod, please take a minute to watch the clip below.



Tips for integrating video recording into your classroom:  As with audio recording, video recording has unlimited possibilities in the classroom from recording presentations and special events to creating documentaries on "A day in the life of..."  Here are few ideas for use at the different grade levels:

Kindergarten - Make a video alphabet.  Have each student create, draw, colour or decorate a different letter of the alphabet and record each of them sharing their creation and the letter name it represents.  Once all of the letters are added, upload the video to a class website or burn it to disk and send home for parents to review the alphabet with their children at home.

Grade 1 - Ask the students to video what they are doing or interview a friend explaining their favourite classroom activities.  Use the footage to share with parents at Parent-Teacher interviews or simply as a window for you into the learning experience of the kids in your class (they will talk differently when you are not around).

Grade 2 - Have students create a 'How To' video to share with parents and classmates (i.e. 'How to measure temperature or the length of the classroom).

Grade 3 - Have students create a Vlog (Video log) of the life cycle of a plant (potato plants).

Grade 4 - Studying explorers?  Have students dress up as an explorer and record them playing the role of their chosen explorer.  They could prepare a monologue to describe themselves and their explorations to share on video.

Grade 5 - Instead of the old fashioned book report, have students create and record a commercial for a book they just finished reading.

PE (I haven't forgot about you Courtney!) - Record students  performing dance or gymnastic routines for self or class evaluation.

So there you have it!  Ideas for using the video recording feature of the iPod Nano at all grade levels.  Craving more?  Check out the slide show below with 43 more interesting ways to use video recording in the classroom.

43 Interesting Ways To Use Your Pocket Video C

View more presentations from Seth Hansen.

Please take a minute to share your ideas for using video recording in the classroom by commenting on this post.  Thanks!