BACKGROUND
One of the cornerstones of our educational system -“Redefining Education and Learning ” – is to use technology to deliver a fun, engaging & interactive educational experience. As part of that endeavour, iPods were introduced in early years classrooms after due research in the year 2009.
OVERVIEW
The iPod Touch is a portable pocket computer made by Apple Inc. with a multi touch screen, an audio-video player & an internet browser. Every learner is handed out an individual iPod for a particular lesson or activity for a specified time interval in a scheduled manner as per the curricular programme for that particular group. The teacher then starts a particular iPod-aided activity or lesson plan aimed at accomplishing a particular learning objective.
FEATURES
Children learn a whole host of things – including alphabets, numbers, drawing, colouring, cursive writing, maths, flash cards & memory games – on the iPod. The 4 key features of the iPod are:
- Interesting: Learning outcomes are best achieved when learning is experiential and fun. Children can get bored or distracted easily. With all the colours & visuals, childs grasp concepts better.
- Intuitive: With a virtually-zero learning curve, the iPod stops becoming a “thing” for the child after a while. All the child can think about is how to colour an outline or how to get his spelling right or what is 2 + 2.
- Interactive: Learners get instant feedback when the hear a “uh oh” or “yippee”, or see an error message on screen. This helps them learn by themselves & keeps them engaged.
- Individual: Children love their iPods as much as they’d love a soft toy or a pet. They can learn at their own pace. They can choose an app that suits their learning style. They can learn anywhere – from the classroom to the play area.
BENEFITS
Our research has proven a phenomenal jump in achievement of learning outcomes of young children when they use iPods
- Cognitive skills development: Concepts such as reading, writing, rhymes, stories, values, numbers, shapes, sizes, colours, etc. are simply better grasped & learnt on the iPod.
- Communication skills development
- Fine motor skills development
- Stimulated senses of touch, hearing and seeing.
- Enhanced ability to concentrate & communicate.
- Technology becomes a part of the child’s DNA. The world has moved towards all things digital – from entertainment to communications to information. As they grow up, their comfort with technology will hold children in good stead to find their way around the world.
