Title: Using iPods in Education and Training 
Author: Tim Mabe 
Professor: Charles L. McDonald, Jr., Ph.D. 
Class: MIS528 Emerging Technologies in MIS 
Semester: Fall 2007 
 
Assignment: 
 
Students in TAMU-T's graduate level Emerging Technologies in MIS class of fall 2007 were
assigned to conduct research on an emerging technology topic of their choice, submit a
proposal with references, and, if approved, develop papers that satisfied specific criteria. Each
paper should contain an introduction, a summary, and a section addressing the significance of
the topic. The Turnitin site was used to evaluate the paper for plagiarism and provide an
originality report to the student. To receive credit, papers had to satisfy academic integrity
issues, be grammatically correct, free of spelling errors, meaningfully organized, and content-
rich.

 
Abstract: 
 
Educators and trainers have discovered that using the Apple iPod as a teaching tool is creating
exciting new opportunities for learning. New terms such as "podcasting"and on "demand
training" are just two of the new buzzwords in education. Using these devices are proving to be
productive in providing students an incentive to learn. School districts throughout the United
States are using the devices and reporting excellent results. There is a debate between these
entrepreneurs and traditionalists as to whether these devices are as effective as traditional
methods and should they even be allowed in the public classroom.
 
 

   

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Introduction:
One of the most popular electronic devices students have in their personal entertainment
arsenal is a portable media player. The trendiest example is the Apple iPod, which makes an
ideal companion for students of all ages. With up to 160GB of storage, iPods provide the
capability of allowing one’s favorite music and videos the opportunity to be with them at all
times. Thousands of tunes and hours of video can be transferred from computers and stored on
the iPod. The small, sleek design allows it to be easily carried in clothing without unsightly
appearance. Quality and cost attest to its popularity by the number sold since first introduced in
2001.

Outstanding features of the iPod have allowed this device to expand its use from entertainment
to an exciting new learning tool. Educational entrepreneurs view these devices as an exciting
new type of delivery system to provide quality educational content to the student any time or
place. Educators realize a generation introduced and trained on computers at an early age can
easily adapt to learning new technology devices. This is often the case if the devices are fun to
use, and allow students to study anytime and anywhere. Consensus among many educators is
the trend for delivering education in the future will rely increasingly on distance and on-demand
learning.

Strong evidence supports this view. Using the iPod as an educational tool has met with some
outstanding results in providing students an incentive to learn and an effective means of
education. School districts are among institutions that have experimented with incorporating
them into their curriculum and are reporting excellent results. The corporate world has begun to
incorporate utilizing these devices as tools to enhance training and education in their companies
as well. They realize this modern technique can prove an easier, more efficient, and more
streamlined method of training their employees. Employees have quickly responded to this
method as it enables them to learn in lieu of long-term training sessions. Traditionalists and
entrepreneurs debate the question whether these devices are as effective as traditional
methods and whether they should be allowed in the public classroom for training and
educational purposes.

Summary:
The existence of the iPod has introduced several new words into the English language, which
have become a common part of a typical student’s vocabulary. One of these words is “podcast”.

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A podcast is a digital file available on the Internet, which can be downloaded or utilized
streaming video into an IPod from a podcaster’s website. Excellent websites are available and
are syndicated, subscription based, and automatically downloaded when new content is
available (2007, Simonson).

Educators and trainers have discovered using the Apple iPod as a teaching instrument is
creating exciting and rewarding new opportunities for learning. Introducing these devices into
the classroom has raised some concerns with traditionalists as to whether this will eliminate the
use of textbooks. Educators concede the textbook will remain the staple in delivering knowledge
to students in both the traditional and virtual settling. They do not look at electronic devices as
replacements to books. They view them as powerful tools to provide quality educational material
to students without constraints of distance, time, or place (2007, Simonson).

Sound quality and ease of the audio function is another reason for the iPod's immense
popularity in teaching. Teachers record audio subject matter to be accessed by students at a
time best suited to the students’ needs. Some of the greatest success using audio is in teaching
foreign languages. Podcasts have proven to condense the time for students to learn English by
wearing a headset and listening repeatedly to the new language. Languages, music selections
for fine arts courses, and lectures are placed on the website by teachers and accessed by the
students at their convenience. Excellent resolution on the LCD screen allows viewing video
presentations as a dynamic resource to provide educational materials (2007, Hirsch).

Successful companies recognize the importance of training. Traditional training is typically a

classroom lecture style setting in which personnel are brought together at one time for a lengthy
period. Timely and costly room scheduling, room setups, break times, and snacks are involved.
Companies can eliminate the time consuming plans and benefit through cost savings, time
efficiency, and increased productivity by utilizing e-learning programs. Trainees have the
capability of listening and reviewing training sessions multiple times in lieu of attending costly,
repeated training sessions. Trainees can utilize time more productively in maintaining a flexible
schedule. They are able to continue with their on-site duties and have the flexibility of learning
instruction at a more-convenient time to their schedule. Using on-demand electronic devices
such as the iPod, a company's training program can be more cost effective and more productive
(2007, Meyer).

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An e-learning program does have some substantial costs to implement. It is after the program
gets under way that efficiency is realized. The cost per student decreases as additional
individuals sign up to take these courses. In the long term, this actually makes it less expensive
than traditional (2007, Meyer). E-learning programs are now seen as a prudent resolution for
cost and quality issues many universities are now facing. This modern approach to education is
proving to be both effectual and proficient (2007, Selim).

An example of this success is the “on-demand” training program currently piloted by the
managers of the J. C. Penney Company in Plano, Texas. In lieu of iPods, the trainees use a
custom version called a “jPod”. Satellite broadcasts of training sessions can be accessed
anytime or anywhere on the jPod. Trainees learn about “merchandise, consumer lifestyles, and
new brands” from their jPods on demand. Similar to an iPod, these devices have been very
useful to those who travel between stores or regions across the country. The training is also
proving to be less expensive than traditional training the company has used in the past. “On-
demand” training is now a staple this company will continue to use (2007, Amato-McCoy).
The concept of e-learning has been in existence for years. Electronic devices such as miniature
recorders have been used as student learning aids for decades. The Internet, advances in
technology, and the popularity of “high tech" electronic devices have added a new dimension to
educational tools.

The increased use of e-learning has created a bustling industry. Many companies providing e-
learning products or services are quickly emerging in the educational marketplace. One such
company is Kaplan, Inc. Kaplan sells products that students use to prepare for college. Students
are able to use the iPod to study for the SAT exams. Officials at Kaplan believe this is a medium
that will motivate students to study for these exams. The result can be opportunities to excel in
achieving higher grades and retaining knowledge (2007, Man).
E-learning is proving to be a lucrative business. In 2005, sales for test preparation materials
were $4 billion. “Internet delivered” test preparation material sales were $50 million in 2005.
Continuing advances in technology, including utilization of multimedia devices, will fuel the
growth of these sales. As demand continues to rise, manufacturers and services will continue to
supply more new products and services. Recent trends indicate this industry will continue to
grow steadily for many years (2007, Man).

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In a recent article in “Distance Learning”, author Michael Simonson states, An effective podcast
is a learning object with audio, use images or video, three to ten minutes long, and a part of a
series. He further states podcasts should be “easily played, easily accessed, and are current or
updated frequently". Devices such as the iPod can drive students to make better decisions on
how and where to study. Students can carry the iPod and incorporate learning while relaxing or
doing other activities (2007, Simonson).

Some do not have a positive view of using personal electronic devices for educational purposes,
especially in the public school system. The radical press is the most vocal of the opposition.
Recently, the Seattle School system offered a free iPod to each student who enrolled in a
special summer school session. This was an effort in hopes of filling the 270 slots available for
failing students. The school system’s strategy worked in motivating all 270 students to sign up
and continue their education. The cost of this incentive was less than $22,000 (2007, Callahan).
Peter Callahan, editor of the Tacoma, Washington, “The New Tribune” newspaper scorned the
school system without mercy in a recent editorial for this effort. In his article Callahan stated,
Kids who goof off shouldn’t receive gifts while kids who try hard get nothing extra. Kids shouldn’t
be bribed to learn something.” He went on to say, “We shouldn’t have to bribe them to change
their attitude. And we shouldn’t give them a diploma to soothe their self esteem
(2007, Callahan). Some educators and students do not agree with this view. They believe it is
a low-cost investment, which inspires students to learn. Educators acknowledge e-learning will
not replace traditional methods, and expressed it is not their intent to do so. The intent is to use
technology as an enhancement to educational teaching and learning techniques (2007,
Callahan).

Significance of Topic:
iPods used as an educational tool is one successful example of technology in education.
Globalization is making our world smaller. Two decades ago, no one realized the impact the
Internet would have on our lives. The world has changed and will continue to change.
Technology is advancing at a rapid pace. Students and workers telecommute to classes and
jobs hundreds of miles away each day. This will more than likely become a norm in the future. It
would force many of us to adapt our lifestyles to this change. Using technology in this way will
be a sensible resolution by educators to ease into this transition. One of the best examples is
the use of the iPod.

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Entrepreneurial educators realize to effectively deliver quality education to their students; they
must expand the traditional delivery system used in the past. Insisting that students attend a
traditional class or take an exam in a traditional format is viewed by many educators as a
shortsighted and even paranoid approach. Students and employees are demanding flexible time
schedules. Distractions lure students from learning. In order to meet students’ and employees’
needs, schools and companies are embracing technology.
Educators have learned modern technology can help steer students toward making wise
decisions in learning and focusing on their education. They have come to the realization that the
element of a choice of studying or having fun should be removed. Many have come to the
realization that providing a mechanism where students can study and have fun at one time may
be a better choice (2007, White).

Educators are moving away from the “bucket approach” whereby the instructor holds the
knowledge and places only bits of knowledge into the student’s bucket at the instructors
schedule and format. E-learning techniques such as podcasting challenge old theories in favor
of an interactive experience Devices such as the iPod make this possible (2007, White).

Most educators agree learning should primarily be focused on meeting the objectives of the
particular instruction involved. Objectives can best be met by motivating the student to become
more engaged. The iPod appears to be a successful motivator to engage students in productive
learning. It also appears to conform to lifestyles and time constraints with which many have to
contend. These devices and other e-learning tools are sensible means of reducing the number
of textbooks, computers, and other materials, which have been cumbersome to students. E-
learning is not necessarily easier for the instructor. Using e-learning techniques can be more
work for the instructor. Giving an exam online means the questions created by the instructor
must be more challenging. In past years, a student would be confined to a quiet room with
textbooks, notes, and a computer. The iPod provides a small, easily accessible device to be
used anywhere and anytime (2007, Man).

Molly Mead is one educator who seems to be echoing what most others are saying, The
devices are extremely motivating to kids. Students will use it more readily if it’s a tool already in
their toolbox (2007, Man). The iPod may be such a tool.

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References:
Amato-McCoy, D. (2007, August). On-Demand Education. Chain Store Age, 83(8), 86-86.
Retrieved September 11, 2007, from MasterFILE Premier database.

Callaghan, P. (2007, July 26). The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash., Peter Callaghan column:
Don't they know learning is its own reward?. News Tribune, The (Tacoma, WA),
Retrieved September 11, 2007, from Newspaper Source database.

Hirsch, J. (2007, August). What's That in Your Students' Pockets?. School Administrator, 64(7),
8-8. Retrieved September 11, 2007, from Professional Development Collection
database.

Man, L. (2007, July 23). Program lets students study for SATs with their iPods. Kansas City
Star, The (MO), Retrieved September 11, 2007, from Newspaper Source database.

Selim, H. (2007, September). Critical success factors for e-learning acceptance:

Confirmatory factor models. Computers & Education, 49(2), 396-413.
Retrieved September 20, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database.

Simonson, M. (2007). Podcasting…or Seeds Floated Down From the Sky. Distance Learning,
pp. 104,103. Retrieved September 11, 2007, from Education Research Complete
database.

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