Georgia Schools Allow iPods in Classes

High school students have many different technological resources they use for entertainment as well as learning. Students at Roswell High School, located in Georgia, have the freedom to use iPods and mp3 players as educational tools in school. There are several different pros and cons of allowing students to use their iPods in class. There are also different views of whether or not students should be allowed to use iPods in classes.

Many people have iPods and they love them. They are very easy to navigate through. They may be a huge crowd pleaser, but some people argue that they do not see how they fit within schools. People argue that they are distractions that hold students back. However, others feel that they are enablers that push students in the direction of learning more.

The teachers and the administrative staff at Roswell High School view these particular tools as educational accessories that help to assist in the learning process of students. Edward Spurka, Roswell High School’s principal, felt that their school was becoming overwhelmed with trying to fight technology (Manzo 2). The school was putting so much effort into banning iPods and trying to catch students in the act. However, he made the decision to embrace the technology phenomenon by allowing teachers to encourage students to use iPods and mp3 players to increase education. Student can also use iPods and mp3 players in the library, the cafeteria, and the hallways.

Roswell’s method of integrating iPods with Advanced Placement classes was introduced as an element of the educational technological plan of Georgia. Apparently, this plan is paying off. There have been many benefits from allowing students to use iPods in class. Students can listen on their iPod to valuable information, which can help them learn more about the subjects they are being taught in the classrooms. Also, students have more freedom and more resources of how to share information with other students as well as their teachers. So far over 60 schools throughout the state of Georgia have commenced this plan.

Using iPods and mp3 players in the classroom has positive effects on education. Students will begin to no longer view these devices only for leisure, but also to serve for educational purposes as well. Students love this plan. They are learning more and have shown an increased desire to learn more. Incorporating iPods and mp3 players into student learning has been beneficial to both the school staff and the students.

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Manzo, Kathleen. “Educators Embrace iPods for Learning.” Edweek. 21 Feb. 2010 http://www.edweek.org/login.html?source=http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2010/03/18/26ipods.h29.html&destination=http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2010/03/18/26ipods.h29.html&levelId=2100.