The iPod. The most commonly used word to name a portable music system and now, a learning device. Including applications like Sign Smith for sign language, SAT Word Lite for SAT prep, and Mental Clase flashcards for memorizing purposes, the iPod has taken the crown for the most useful technological gadget.In fact, the power of the iPod for means of education is so great that colleges have added them into their “back to school lists.” Several colleges have added the program “iLearn” into their curriculum, which allows students to enhance their learning with their iPod. iLearn lets students who missed a class to download the podcast of that specific lecture. Additionally, undergraduates can use their iPod to take oral notes and upload class assignments. The obsession with iLearn has gone so far as to create entire projects and courses that revolve around the use of an iPod. Conversely, speculation has been raised as to whether students are taking full advantage of the iPod as a learning device, and if having iPods is actually beneficial. Most students agree that having an iPod has raised their grades and improved their independent learning skills.
Although iPods appear to be helpful, they were just banned this year from Neuqua. “Early on, the deans recommended to me that we ban iPods,” says Mr. McBride. The faculty of Neuqua Valley believes that a school without iPod’s makes the environment safer, and makes students more attentive to their surroundings, so that they will be able to hear intercom announcements. “I hate it,” said McBride about electronic disruptions. “I received 96 e-mails today. Personally, I’d rather not have my phone ringing, or the radio going. I’d rather have a real conversation.”
Sophomore Lauren Paradiso said that if iPods were allowed at Neuqua, she would take full advantage of the opportunity. “Listening to music makes everything more fun, and there is no good reason why they banned it during lunch.” Although iPods are banned at school, Paradiso continues to use her iPod to help her study at home, “I just put it in my iHome now.”
By Anna Miller, staff writer
Photos courtesy of ipod-files.com
