Link to the Show / Show NotesAudio books have been used in education starting with the use of records then moving to cassettes, CDs and have now moved to audio books in mp3 format. In the early days, many of these audio books were recorded for the seeing impaired. But now this industry has gown and there are hundreds of services that offer both abridged and unabridged versions of audio books that are compatible with just about any device. Not only do we see the art of traditional storytelling returning but there are additional benefits to this media. There is something unique or maybe even comforting about listening to a great book either being read live or in a recorded format. Audio books can provide the chance for educators who lead busy lives a chance to keep up with the latest literature and trends in educationâ.while allowing them to continue on with activities. These tools also continue to offer their traditional benefits to those with special needs or as a way for educators to meet the different leanings styles of their students. Educators at all levels are using differentiated instruction to help meet the needs of the learners in their classroom. This strategy is growing in popularity to help support student learning. Educators are finding that it is easier for both struggling students to tune in to audio versions of books and stories. The use of audio books in allows students including ESL students, to have spoken language modeled for them, which essential for building vocabulary and help with literacy and language skills. By allowing children listen to the story on a portable media device, it gives each student the ability to move at their own pace, moving forward or back and giving the ability to repeat sections over again. On top of this, audio books can expose students to the joy and pleasure of reading which they not have seen in the past.
CREATING CLASSROOM MP3 KITS
So let's take a little detour here and take about MP3 kits. It really does not take much to arm your classroom with a kit of mp3 players. For the busy educator, simpler is betterâ.and that is with both the use and management. When it comes to the mp3 playersâI prefer the Apple shuffle or nano. The shuffle is more affordable at only $79.00 each and a classroom set may not be too far out of reach. The only down side to the shuffle is that it does not have a display, so navigation of audio books can be cumbersome at times. On the other handâthe Nano gives you a few more featuresâ.like a display, but starting at $149, a classroom set may be harder to reach. But, with the new iPod Nano, with the display, students can navigate the content easier and also get the benefits of reading accompanying text.
Shuffle
$79.00
1 gig
No Display
Can be custom engraved
1 year warranty
Replace the ear buds with more sanitary headphones
Nano
$149
4 gig
Display for easy navigation
Can be custom engraved
1 year warranty
Again, replace the Apple ear buds with more sanitary headphones
In this kit you will also want to have some usb chargers to keep you ipods batteries topped off. I usually suggest one charger per ipodâ. and to also shop around at your local superstores for these itemsâthey can be picked up for under $10.00. Finally, I would encourage numbering each iPodânow this can be done with the free Apple engraving or can be done with some simple labels. These numbers help with the management.
WHERE TO GET AUDIO BOOKS
Now the final step is to get the audio books for your classroom or for your professional growth and development. Sometime agoâI was introduced to Audible.com and its many genres offered. They are the leading provider of spoken audio entertainment, information, and educational programming. This service offers audible books, stories, newspapers and magazines. Content from Audible is downloaded and can be played back on your computer, put on CDs, or can be listened on
hundreds of portable media devices.Some other great features that I like about Audible.com is that they offer quality of the recordings and the narrators
HOW TO GET A FREE AUDIO BOOK
Now audilbe.com is offering all of my listeners a FREE Audiobook download of your choice. Just go to www.audiblepodcast.com/techteacher or go to the techteacher web site and look for the audible link in the right hand column. This is an exclusive offer just for my techteacher listeners only that is not available on from this website.
SUGGESTED AUDIO BOOKS
Now I have been listening to tow great books while I drive to work and walk on my treadmillâ.the first book I highly suggest is The Google Story This is a fascinating detailed history of a idea started by two Stanford University studentsâLarry Page and Sergey Brin which has grown into an Internet empire. The other great listen is iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon: How I Invented the Personal Computer, Co-Founded Apple, and Had Fun Doing It - This is a book from Steve Wozniak one of the founders of Apple computer. This too is a fascinating listen and at will be interesting no matter if you are new to technology or was there at the birth of the personal computer. Not only is this book entertaining but it also gives you a historical perspective of Apple computers. My daughter would like to suggest the Fancy Nancy by Jane O Conner. This story is about a girl named Nancy who believes that more is ALWAYS better when it comes to being fancy. From the top of her tiara down to her sparkly studded shoes, Nancy is determined to teach her family a thing or two about being fancy. And we can"t forget about my sonâs top picksâ.the Boxcar Children series. These classics, which were created by Gertrude Chandler Warner in the 1940sâ still hold the attention and inspire the imagination of children even today.
So if you are ready to either jump in with both feet or just experiment with audio booksâgo to www.audiblepodcast.com/techteacher to get your free audiobook.
Thank you again for listening to the the techteacher podcast network and donât forget to visit my web site for more great tip, tricks and technology integration ideas.
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