For the updated post about iPods published in 2010, click HERE.
This article shared by a student set off a great conversation in class this morning. Seeing the article’s examples of teachers integrating mp3 players in the classroom, we asked the question “Why don’t we allow mp3 players at school?“. The students were able to identify some key issues with mp3 players at school.
- They could be used to cheat.
- Students listening mp3 players may be slacking off.
- Mp3 players could be a distraction to students.
- Valuable electronic devices could be lost or stolen.
Even more impressive, were the astute reasons why we could have mp3 players at school.
- Some students may learn better from audio.
- If lessons and instruction can be listened to on your mp3 player before class, students will have more time to work during class.
- A podcast may be more interesting that some classes or the textbook.
- It might be helpful for teachers teaching the same lesson more than once, they won’t leave anything out.
- It is easy to rewind and listen to something you missed or understand teachers who talk too fast.
- It is an easy way to share the lesson with students who were absent.
- Studying from the teacher podcast might be more accurate than notes.
If a school is planning to incorporate technology such as mp3 players, it is a great challenge to create a responsible educational climate where this can occur effectively. Also, where do you find the time to train educators to efficiently use this technology in class? I hope the discussion can begin here. What are your thoughts or experiences with mp3 players at school?
DILigence 
I think that the points we made against having ipods DID make sense, but honestly. Look at the reasons saying we SHOULD. I agree with Mr. Dilworth, our reasons to why we should have mp3 players at school are impressive. THEY ROCK!
Look:
They could be used to cheat. = Ban these ipods on quiz days
Students listening mp3 players may be slacking off. = That’s the teacher’s problem. If a student seems to be slacking off, keep them involved in the non-technologic (is that evena word) world.
Mp3 players could be a distraction to students. = It’s their grade. It’s their fault if they get too distracted. Teachers should have a monitor on it though, that way they can do something while the students learn
Valuable electronic devices could be lost or stolen. = Leave them in school if you don’t plan to use them. Everytime you come to school, check in for ipod, when you leave, check out and SHOW your ipod. Have regular checks throughout the day so taht way, stolen and/or lost ones have more of a chance to be found.
In my opinion, I think that iPods and mp3s should be allowed in school because the positive reasons stated above is more numerous than the cons. I also strongly agree with the fact that it is easier to learn, study and understand lessons using iPods than written notes and verbal lecture from teachers.
I think that iPods should be allowed in school because a lot of people including me find it easier to study, concentreate and do work while listening to music. We can also do lessons using iPods rather that writing notes and listening to long lectures from teachers.
I think that iPods should be allowed in school and it can be seen from our arguments that allowing iPods will make more gain than loss. It will make learning a lot more efficient and fun. The rules for bringing iPods to school can easily be ajusted so that they can’t be misused like Camille said, iPods can be banned on any day for tests.
iPods aren’t allowed in school? I see them everywhere and I think they’re great. Music is good.
Are we talking about iPods being used during class? If so, there are obvious times when iPods should and shouldn’t be used. Once the guidelines are set I don’t see any problems.
The ways one can use iPods in any language class are numerous. I’d like to learn more about how to use them in my class. Pronto!
PS. I think iPods are very good.
I am working on a project in English class. It is a persuasive essay. My topic is why iPods should be allowed in school. I think all the reasons are true. Al the kids listen to them in school any ways. And like you people said
on a test day or exam day leave them in your book bag or ban them in that class for the day.
I think that they should be allowed at school because they can help students learn and can help with vocabulary by using audiobooks words they can’t understand they’ll want to understand the word more therefor they will have better voabulary.
ok
hi
well im wrtting an essay avout thid and it help ur opinions were GREAT =D
n my opinion, I think that iPods and mp3s should be allowed in school because the positive reasons stated above is more numerous than the cons. I also strongly agree with the fact that it is easier to learn, study and understand lessons using iPods than written notes and verbal lecture from teachers.
I am glad to hear my site was useful for your research.
Well I am glas that it is not just me that feels this way. i am currently writing my persuasive essay on this topic and your information really helped. Thank you!
i totally agree that ipods, mp3s, and recorders should be allowed in class. but i totally think that students should be respectful if the teachers want the electronics off. its alllllll aboutttt getting the work done and learning.
🙂
I am glad you agree, it is important that student learn how they can use these tools to create their own digital media.
IPods should be used for learning and listening to music. The music helps students focus more than listenning to teachers seriously… =1
and for many reasons why do you thnk ipods were made for cheating sure its only for music
please reply
Having ipods and mp3’s can impove your grade. Listen to music can simulate your brain while doing your work.
iPods get rid of stress!
iPods are not disruptive when used during break, lunch, and before school hours. In many ways, they can even be helpful! For example, if you are running a mile in gym, you want a distraction to keep your mind off of the pain in your chest and legs, so that you can finish the mile and get a good grade too, right? If you are listening to your favorite song while you are running, you are concentrated on that!
I believe that iPods should be used in school because I cannot study or read without some sound coming into my ears and for left-brained people, iPods have earphones so they will not disturb others with the music if it is turned low just so the listener can hear it.
I do not think that they should be used in class because it can lead to distractions, cheating, disruption and many other things. They could be stolen from school lockers. Now days you can even text and take pictures on these devices, and that could possibly lead to severe problems later on in school. The only exception to having them in school would be for a study hall, and I would have to say that they must have teacher’s permission. But also, you can’t make exceptions to things because then later people will break the rules. It’s the same thing as having cell phones in school. They do not allow them so why would they allow Ipods or any other technology devices. Kids still have them in school but I think that they should find a way to stop the use of the devices in school. I think that if all schools were more alert about having them in school, there would be a lot of improvements in grades, and probably behavior. This was just my brief explanation of having them in school even though they are fun to have.
Hi Alycia, you raise many good points that question not only the use of ipods in the class but any device that can record audio or video. Schools need to consider the rules that guide student use of media devices such as cell phones or cameras as well as ipods. There are certainly many positive uses of these devices but they should be used responsibly in an educational setting.
noo way it helps you think
wat
ipods and mp3s and be vary helpful with kids minds and it can help them keep on task sure kids can cheat but look at all the good they can do for kids
Should schools allow I pods/ MP3 players in class rooms?
NO.
A few reasons why schools should not allow I pods and mp3 players in classrooms is because it can attempt students to cheat, distract others students, lead to inappropriate use, and it could even make other students feel invaded and uncomfortable. Some “ Teachers are bothered that students might be too distracted and unable to listen to them as they conduct their lesson in class.” They say that “ I pods can be targeting theft,” meaning that other students could possibly want to steal other people/ classmates who have IPO’s/ or mp3 players. Specialists are concerned that “ Students who become isolated and antisocial, instead of tuning other people/ classmates/ teachers out, then they are left toned to themselves.” I would have to say that if I pods were allowed, there might be a chance that dangerous things could happen. For example, lets say that there was a fire drill, and the student was into their work, and was listening to their I pod or mp3 player, and there was a fire drill or something happened that was serious that they need to evacuate, then the student or students that were listening to their I pod or mp3 player were not able to hear the announcement, then their life could be in danger. Not always will someone tell you if you need to do something, so its better not to have them in school. That’s why Ezine Articles/ Cel Pimentel tell us that “ Students can become so engrossed in listening to music that they may completely tone out what is going on around them, causing unnecessary mishaps.”
News flash – iPods (except the iPhone) cannot take pictures or send text messages.
Furthermore, an announcement is not made when there is a fire or fire drill – A LOUD alarm goes off alerting you of the situation – much louder than the music you are listening to.
Do work.
Im doing an exposition to show to my principal. i think. But anyways, my teacher says its required to know where this information came from, or was it just thought up?
The information in this post came from two sources, the NY Times article that is linked in the opening sentences and from a class discussion that generated many of the ideas. Good luck with the exposition!
THEY SHOULD BE ALLOWED EVERYWHERE. PERIOD!
i think that kids should be able to listen to music in skool
yeah i agree with denecia…. she sounds like a smart girl……. : )
she is duhh…lol
if any one is woundering we r all tripletes.(: neci, nessa and nicole..im nicole(: rodriguez ansdd our brother is anthony rodriguez, and we believe there shud be i pods in scool
yea my sisters are rite(:
I THINK IPODS SHOULD BE ALLOWED EVERYWHERE.
michael jackson rules
i think we should have Ipods because i work better when i listen to music in computers i always listen to music.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂 🙂
ipod rock
ipods should be aloud
iPods could be used for good and bad.
iPods could be used to cheat: Ban them on quiz days!
Students can download inappropriate content: Have the teacher check each day
They could distract kids: Have a ‘one ear open rule’ make sure they have only one earphone in!
iPods can be lost or stolen: Insure them!
Good or bad? You tell me!
I Agree with you completly, if teachers are not able to do their part, they should not be complaining about the kids having ipods. My own personsal experience, i listen better when i have music playing, it is a relaxing way to learn. We are teenagers are used to listening to music while at home doing homework, so why would it interfear with school work. it is just what we are used to doing and it should remain that way.
ipods should be aloud they help relieve stress and rejuvinate the mind you know what i mean i use mine all the time in the day and to fall asleep.
This is good. I dont know yall.
hallo iPod
Ipods are cool like wheener shnizel
i agree
ipods are good to listen to and night and if u have u have an exam to write u could just listen to help u study then u will do better in calsses and then the exam will be esay because u will know every thing 😀
I pods are awesome
i pods are sweet
yeah they are
awwweeee
hk