Monday, January 12, 2009

iPods in Math Class

A math teacher approached us about using iPods in her classroom. We figured out a different way to go about the task she had in mind without using iPods, but I haven't been able to stop thinking of ways to incorporate iPods or other technologies in the math curriculum. I am sure there are lots of creative math teachers out there already successfully doing this. Here are some of the ideas I was able to find:
  • Data Modeling with Nike + iPod in Mathematics - This would require the Nike + iPod Sport Kit which raises the budget red flag for me already but why can't it be a joint venture between the athletics department and the math department?
  • Math Tutor - Video tutorials that can be either watched on your computer or dumped into iTunes to download on iPods. We discussed creating our own video tutorials and had some ideas:

Capturing problem solving via the Promethean Board - I understand that it is possible to capture work on the Promethean Board, but is it possible to transfer that recording to a computer where the file can be uploaded to iTunes or downloaded to a generic MP3 player?

We also talked about video taping students completing problems using our Flip cameras.

Harriet Kicker had the idea to use doodle function in VoiceThread to complete an equation.

I have not yet explored iTunes for downloads or YouTube, TeacherTube, etc. for videos but aside from the expense how much time does it take to download this stuff to a class set of iPods and how do teachers/schools deal with damaged/stolen materials?