Study: iPods help students

A new study suggests that using iPods in the classroom helps most students concentrate longer, focus more often, and maintain interest in subjects which translates to improved letter grades. While most schools discourage or even forbid bringing iPods to class, students at a Melbourne school are using technology to replace whiteboards and text books, according to TV3.co.nz. One student participating in the study reported raising at least one letter grade, while another said she improved 30 percent as a result of using technology in the classroom.

Over the past six months eight year students at Heathmont Secondary College in Melbourne have participated in a trial to see whether technology that interests them could help the learning process. The results, which were assessed by the Victorian Department of Education, show report cards as positive results of the trial.

Math teacher Sally Bodo at Heathmont College said it is vital that teaching methods keep up with technology to keep kids interested in the learning process.

Those study results coincide with feedback from the principal of a school in the U.S. almost exactly a year ago, who said students with learning disabilities improved worksheet and quiz scores by using iPods as learning tools.

by MacNN Staff