iPhones for Teaching
The day the iPhone 3G was released was a big day for a lot of people. Teachers possibly could have rushed to the stores and purchased one, not only for its practical purposes, but also for the things that can be downloaded for use in classroom activities.
Teachers and students can use the iPhone to enhance classroom experience. Among the practical and pedagogical features of the iPhone are the following:
- Calendar (Standard). The Calendar feature is synchronized with the Google Calendar online. This way, calendars are integrated and can be shared.
- Camera (Standard). Even if the iPhone 3G’s camera has its limitations when it comes to pixels and zoom capabilities, it still is a handy camera for documenting classroom events or recording images for future topics of discussion.
- Clock (Standard). Teachers can set customized alarms for each class, signifying one minute and a half before the end of class. One music teacher created mariachi and drum corps ringtones for band class, and another ringtone for his woodwinds class for variety.
- iPod (Standard). This gives teachers the ability to play music for students, provide background music for plays or events or amplify the classroom experience with sounds and effects. It is simple, easy to use, and provides clear audio.
- Maps (Standard). This is useful for community familiarization, group orientations before immersions, and geography lessons.
- AccuWeather. Useful in planning school events and parades, AccuWeather has both a standard free application and a web application.
- Instruments. Use this application for practicing hand coordination on brass and woodwind instruments. It can be used to teach and practice playing notes and trying out different instruments without having to actually buy them.
- VerbaLearn. VerbaLearn is a comprehensive vocabulary building site that uses audio, video, flashcards, and games. It is a great place for teachers to help students improve English vocabulary at home or school.
- Chalksite. This is a quick and easy way to expand a teacher’s classroom onto the web. This innovative site allows teachers to assign homework, grades, messages, and more.
- Phonevite. It is a free online voice broadcasting system that can be used to send alerts, reminders, follow-ups, and cancellations to parents, students, and other teachers. The system works by sending a recorded message to the teacher’s social media sites and pre-inserted phone numbers.
- Oovoo. This free online video chat allows teachers to talk to up to six people at once. Oovoo is a perfect for teachers who want to conduct online conferences with parents or chat with colleagues.
- Empressr. This is a media presentation tool that can be used to create classroom presentations with text, images, audio, and video.
- Bubbl.us. This is a free web app that can help streamline the brainstorming process with the capability to create colorful mind maps, organize thoughts, and share ideas with the class.
Sources:
“20 Ways I Really Use My iPhone to Teach Band Class.” Retrieved January 20, 2010 from
http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/20-ways-i-really-use-my-iphone-to-teach-band-
class/
Moré, José. “A Class Reaches Out and Touches High-Tech Art.” Retrieved January 20, 2010 from
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/us/20cncart.html
Schweitzer, Karen. “25 Free Apps and Websites for Tech-loving Teachers.” Retrieved January 20, 2010 from
http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/25-free-apps-and-websites-for-tech-loving-teachers/
(Published 08 February 2010, Smart Communications Inc.)
