# ipod touch in the classroom
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [October 29, 2010, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759 "2010-10-29T13:36:45Z")
**Posts on this page:** 18
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)
#### Post date: [October 29, 2010, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/21 "2010-10-29T23:11:11Z")
If you don’t want the students downloading material, why are you issuing them iPods to begin with? I can think of plenty of ways that iPods could be used for education, and almost all of them involve downloading information.
> [@](#):
>
> And the teacher won’t notice if a student brings in a computer, takes it out, and plugs in the Ipod to perform a system restore?
Why would the student have to bring in the computer? iPods are a lot more portable than computers are.
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### Author:  [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)
#### Post date: [October 30, 2010, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/22 "2010-10-30T10:47:50Z")
> [@Chronos](#):
>
> If you don’t want the students downloading material, why are you issuing them iPods to begin with? I can think of plenty of ways that iPods could be used for education, and almost all of them involve downloading information.
>
> Why would the student have to bring in the computer? iPods are a lot more portable than computers are.
You can system restore an iPod from another iPod?
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### Author:  [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)
#### Post date: [October 30, 2010, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/23 "2010-10-30T15:03:10Z")
Not so far as I know.
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### Author:  [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)
#### Post date: [October 30, 2010, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/24 "2010-10-30T15:13:35Z")
> [@CurtC](#):
>
> The big thing that we don’t yet know is what the school plans on using the iPods _for_.
>
> I’m having a hard time imagining a Touch being a positive thing for a school.
I’m curious, too. Aren’t they just used for music, Internet, and apps? And if the school doesn’t want the kids using Internet, what would be the point?
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### Author:  [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)
#### Post date: [October 30, 2010, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/25 "2010-10-30T15:37:16Z")
> [@BigT](#):
>
> You can system restore an iPod from another iPod?
No, but you can transport an iPod to a computer a lot easier than you can transport a computer to an iPod.
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### Author:  [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)
#### Post date: [October 30, 2010, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/26 "2010-10-30T16:00:55Z")
On the plus side, at least your students will soon be shit hot at _Angry Birds_.
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### Author:  [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)
#### Post date: [October 30, 2010, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/27 "2010-10-30T19:14:04Z")
> [@Munch](#):
>
> No, but you can transport an iPod to a computer a lot easier than you can transport a computer to an iPod.
I had assumed that these iPods were forms under supervisionmonpy. If they’re allowed to take them with them then really all bets are off.
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### Author:  [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)
#### Post date: [October 31, 2010, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/28 "2010-10-31T02:45:09Z")
WTH do kids need iPods in class for? What a waste of taxpayer dollars.
Seriously. WTF?
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### Author:  [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)
#### Post date: [October 31, 2010, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/29 "2010-10-31T23:45:24Z")
> [@Sparky812](#):
>
> Doesn’t your school block any/all sites that are a violation of your internet access and privileges? Also, only a system administrator should be able to download and/or install software to your system.
Yes, but through our school network only. The itouch would access through a separate network.
We don’t have wireless in our school.
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### Author:  [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)
#### Post date: [October 31, 2010, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/30 "2010-10-31T23:58:57Z")
> [@Freudian\_Slit](#):
>
> I’m curious, too. Aren’t they just used for music, Internet, and apps? And if the school doesn’t want the kids using Internet, what would be the point?
There have been many questions about the point of using itouch in the classroom.
The fact is the it is inevitable that in the near future, these tools will be developed for student use. When you think about it, each student now carries a powerful computer with them everyday, their cellphone. The idea is to tap into that for the student’s benefit.
We are not exactly sure either how these tools can be used. That is the reason for this post. First things first, we can’t use these thing if we can’t control them.
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### Author:  [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2010, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/31 "2010-11-01T02:43:41Z")
> [@blood63](#):
>
> There have been many questions about the point of using itouch in the classroom.
> The fact is the it is inevitable that in the near future, these tools will be developed for student use. When you think about it, each student now carries a powerful computer with them everyday, their cellphone. The idea is to tap into that for the student’s benefit.
> We are not exactly sure either how these tools can be used. That is the reason for this post. First things first, we can’t use these thing if we can’t control them.
But the relevant point is that for the cost of an ipod touch, you could buy a netbook. An actual computer that is far more functional and utile.
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### Author:  [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2010, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/32 "2010-11-01T03:29:02Z")
> [@blood63](#):
>
> There have been many questions about the point of using itouch in the classroom.
> The fact is the it is inevitable that in the near future, these tools will be developed for student use. When you think about it, each student now carries a powerful computer with them everyday, their cellphone. The idea is to tap into that for the student’s benefit.
> We are not exactly sure either how these tools can be used. That is the reason for this post. First things first, we can’t use these thing if we can’t control them.
But if we don’t know how to use them, how do we know that it’s inevitable? You seem to be saying that because they’re here, they have to be used. I don’t really see that that’s the case. And an actual computer does sound more useful than an iPod touch.
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### Author:  [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2010, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/33 "2010-11-01T04:30:23Z")
I use my iPhone for educational purposes all the time.
Mostly I use it to read textbooks via Kindle. I love that I can have ten of my textbooks on me at all times.
If a term comes up in class that I don’t understand, I’ll often wikipedia it. More than once I’ve saved the day by quickly figuring out a term in a reading that we didn’t understand.
There are a few really good flashcard programs. I did almost all of my GRE vocab studying with the iPhone. They use an incremental exposure system that is calculated to provide the right amount of reinforcement to introduce stuff into long-term memory. So, for example, you will get the cards you have trouble with at regular intervals, while those you usually get right will come up less often.
Beyond that, there are some really good quiz programs. I’ve had a lot of fun memorizing country flags, and playing a quiz game where it gives you a city and you try to place it on a map. The “quick math” games have helped me brush up my arithmetic skills.
Anyway, none of these map directly to an elementary school curriculum, but they are honest-to-god real life examples that show the potential, at least.
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### Author:  [@Enterprise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enterprise)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2010, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/34 "2010-11-01T09:56:34Z")
> [@even\_sven](#):
>
> If a term comes up in class that I don’t understand, I’ll often wikipedia it. More than once I’ve saved the day by quickly figuring out a term in a reading that we didn’t understand.
I have nothing of substance to add to this thread (though I’m also of the opinion that you should think of \*what \*you want to do with stuff before you wonder \*how \*to do it), but I’m delighted to see that I’m not the only person to use “wikipedia” as a verb! I usually shorten it to “wiki,” but still…
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### Author:  [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2010, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/35 "2010-11-01T15:00:03Z")
> [@even\_sven](#):
>
> I use my iPhone for educational purposes all the time.
>
> Mostly I use it to read textbooks via Kindle. I love that I can have ten of my textbooks on me at all times.
>
> If a term comes up in class that I don’t understand, I’ll often wikipedia it. More than once I’ve saved the day by quickly figuring out a term in a reading that we didn’t understand.
>
> There are a few really good flashcard programs. I did almost all of my GRE vocab studying with the iPhone. They use an incremental exposure system that is calculated to provide the right amount of reinforcement to introduce stuff into long-term memory. So, for example, you will get the cards you have trouble with at regular intervals, while those you usually get right will come up less often.
>
> Beyond that, there are some really good quiz programs. I’ve had a lot of fun memorizing country flags, and playing a quiz game where it gives you a city and you try to place it on a map. The “quick math” games have helped me brush up my arithmetic skills.
>
> Anyway, none of these map directly to an elementary school curriculum, but they are honest-to-god real life examples that show the potential, at least.
Well, I’ve actually been working on a research paper for class on eBooks/the eLibrary so I’m not really entirely sold on the idea of accessing textbooks online. Don’t iPods have backlighting, unlike the Kindle, making them hard to read as much? Plus, I know I’ve read that people tend to read less on a screen than they do from a book. And I’m not sure Wikipedia is the best link for kids who aren’t always great at evaluating what they see on the Web. I’m not saying it’s an inherently bad idea–just that there definitely are risks…
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### Author:  [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2010, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/36 "2010-11-01T16:32:19Z")
> [@Freudian\_Slit](#):
>
> Well, I’ve actually been working on a research paper for class on eBooks/the eLibrary so I’m not really entirely sold on the idea of accessing textbooks online. Don’t iPods have backlighting, unlike the Kindle, making them hard to read as much? Plus, I know I’ve read that people tend to read less on a screen than they do from a book. And I’m not sure Wikipedia is the best link for kids who aren’t always great at evaluating what they see on the Web. I’m not saying it’s an inherently bad idea–just that there definitely are risks…
Your ability to read on an iPod varies from person to person. Some people hate it, some people don’t mind it at all.
I think your attitude going in makes a difference, too. if you start out thinking “I like books, I’m going to hate this” you probably are going to have problems. I started reading on my iPod when I had no other way to access books that I really wanted to read, so I was really motivated. I quickly grew to love having a small library with me everywhere I went- I love that I can get my reading done on the subway, in line for the grocery store, etc. without lugging a book everywhere. As an avid reader in a small living space, I love not having a ton of books piling up everywhere. I even love the backlit screen, as I’m a big “hide under the covers and read” person, and I love being able to read in shared hotel rooms, in bed, on night busses, etc. without disturbing the people I am with.
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### Author:  [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2010, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/37 "2010-11-01T17:59:15Z")
> [@](#):
>
> We are not exactly sure either how these tools can be used. That is the reason for this post. First things first, we can’t use these thing if we can’t control them.
Well there’s your problem right there. You can’t use them if you think controlling them is necessary for using them. Yes, a student could use his iPod to look at dirty pictures in class (I’m guessing that’s the specific problem you’re worried about). A student could also bring in a dirty magazine and hide it behind his textbook. Yes, it’s easier to get the dirty pictures online, but it’s also easier to get the legitimate course materials online, too. If you’re that worried about controlling everything, you might as well also ban textbooks for the same reason.
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### Author:  [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2010, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-in-the-classroom/558759/38 "2010-11-01T21:58:01Z")
> [@Chronos](#):
>
> Well there’s your problem right there. You can’t use them if you think controlling them is necessary for using them. Yes, a student could use his iPod to look at dirty pictures in class (I’m guessing that’s the specific problem you’re worried about). A student could also bring in a dirty magazine and hide it behind his textbook. Yes, it’s easier to get the dirty pictures online, but it’s also easier to get the legitimate course materials online, too. If you’re that worried about controlling everything, you might as well also ban textbooks for the same reason.
Well for one thing, how will we protect against them being stolen? I have to monitor textbooks you know and of course they are checked for content. You seem to be suggesting that we should buy 30 ipods and said “go play” and not worry beforehand about controls.
I’m just one part of the picture. Others are looking at apps that will be useful in the classroom. For example, some departments in my school have purchased a clicker program that is similar to that touch pads used in TV studios. There are a myriad of uses for such devices _if they are used properly_. Ipod touches could do the same thing at a fraction of the cost plus have tons of other uses.
Netbooks are an option but I suspect that one of the ideas here is in the future, students will use there own cell phone for a variety of classroom purposes. We are trying to tap into this early.
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