Journal 5: "The Whole World in Their Hands" (NETS 2)

Crompton, H. (2011). The whole world in their hands. Learning and Leading, 38(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-february-march-2011.aspx


Summary: A middle school in North Carolina developed one of the first online curriculums for their grade level. With this curriculum came the use of the iPod touch. This school is now currently providing an iPod touch to all of their 700 students. While most schools in our country are opposed to using hand held mobile devices in the classroom, this particular school in North Carolina is embracing it. The article states that it is beneficial for students because they no longer have to wait for their turn to access the computer, they have access constantly at their fingertips. Using the iPod is not a replacement for computers, but a tool to be used to complement the use of computers. When implementing the iPod touch into the school, teachers were the first to have access and learn about all it had to offer. Then a pilot program was created to introduce the iPod to a selected group of students in each grade before distributing them to the entire school population. Although there is not enough data yet to show a significant improvement gained from the use of the iPod touch, the school reports students benefit in a number of ways, including having fast and easy access to knowledge, organizing their schedules and having the ability to work collaboratively.


Question 1: What does this mean for the future of education when it comes to the use of technology in the classroom?
           Since this is the first school to attempt this, there will be a lot of new data regarding the benefits of using new technology in the classroom. When it is proven that these tools have significant positive impact on students and their learning, other schools may be more inclined to adopt a similar program. It is exciting to hear about a school that is dedicated to engaging their students using technology instead of punishing them for using it. 


Question 2: What strategies were using in being able to fit this program in with the budget?
           The article states that one huge factor in keeping the cost down was that many students already owned an iPod touch at home. The school got into contact with these parents and obtained permission for the student to use the iPod during school hours. About 20% of the families agreed to this which helped in cutting cost significantly. Therefore the school bought an iPod touch for all the students who did not have one of there own. In order to implement a program such as this takes careful budget planning. A school needs to have dedication and enthusiasm in order for a program like this to take command.