This week, I had some positive happenings towards my research. First, I was finally able to secure a meeting with the trainer who was supposed to be providing PD since September. That obviously fell through as this was not a priority. Second, I just ran into her at the antique store/sandwich shop and made it very clear how important this project is. Divine appointment? Next, I was able to locate several more usable (and free) apps for the iPod. Unfortunately, it took two hours Wednesday night to get them onto the iPods because of network issues and problems with the loading computer. Thursday and Friday, I was able to use the iPod apps with students in a genetics lab. The use was simple, but effective. Now, I need to poll students and find out what apps they are using. I have asked for general info, but not specific apps. I got this idea from a student who showed me an app he was excited about and wondered if I could get it for our iPods. At this point in the year, I am hoping to be able to gather at least some data before the school year ends, even it is mostly anecdotal. The original scope will not be possible because of the technical issues that we have had resulting in non-use of the devices. As I met with principal this week, she was losing much of her initial zeal for anything iPod. Maybe that can be changed if we find successful uses before year's end. In my research, I found a quote that best describes the entire process that our campus went through in initially obtaining the iPod technology: "Install first, think about the pedagogical consequences later" (Dogbey, 2007). Now, hopefully, I can work around this strategy to effectively use this technology to improve student learning. If not, I can at least learn from the process and make sure it is done right the next time such as initiative is undertaken.
References
Dogbey, J. (2007). Research Brief: Using Ipods for Instruction. The Principals' Partnership. downloaded from Istc541.wikispaces.com/file/view/iPod+research.PDF.
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