Using an iPod Touch in Education

The iPod Touch is a small, portable device with a unique multi-touch graphical user interface. When educational software is loaded onto the device, it becomes a fun and exciting tool for learning.

The multi-touch graphical user interface allows for even pre-readers or English language learners to benefit from it's use. By linking pictures to words and an intuitive menu system, young children can navigate through the iPod Touch's software making it far more dynamic than a book.

Older students will benefit from the portability of the device. Teachers can create educational PowerPoint presentations to be loaded into the iPod Touch to reinforce their lessons at home. Word processing programs allow for easy note taking in the classroom.

With a $200 price point, it is more affordable than a typical laptop. Having capability beyond educational activities, most notably music and games, makes it something a child will run towards instead of away from.

NOTE: All apps listed below can be used on an iPod Touch or an iPhone.

ART
Art Lite - 400+ pictures to view, full biographies of artists, and a quiz game to help remember the artists' creations. Free.
Doodle Kids - Application that allows user to fingerpaint via the touch screen. Free.
SpinArt - Brings the old standard to the touch screen. Use your fingers to change spinning speed, splat paint, and all sorts of fun. $2

MUSIC
Mini Piano puts a small piano in your pocket. Free.
Pocket Shaker large list of percussion instruments you can play by shaking the iPod. Free.

BOOKS / READING
Shakespeare - Brings all books by the bard to your iPod for reading at any location. Free.
Stanza - Over 100,000 books, most free. Could save you some money on your required reading list. Free.
Dictionary - Dictionary app. Free.
Clifford's BE BIG with Words The big, red dog is on your iPod to help you with letter sounds and reading three letter words. $2
Story Kit Create your own book by using your own photos or drawings and adding text. Free.
Early Reader helps work on phonics and sight words. $1

MATH
Graphing Calculator - A free alternative to a pricey necessity. Free.
iNumber Crunch - Learning that you can pass off as a game. Free.
Mental Math - Educational game for both the young and old, with four different levels to keep it age appropriate. Great way to replace tired flashcards for such fundamentals as multiplication tables. $2.
Basic Math choose from addition, subtraction, multiplication or division and then it will quiz you with multiple choice answers. Free.
Tape Measure an on the screen ruler. Free.

SCIENCE
Slingshot - A physics and gravity game where you use a planet's gravity to get your missile to its target. Free.
Molecules - Allows you to manipulate and rotate molecules via the touch screen. Free.
Earth Envi - Amazing pictures of the Earth from space allows you to see the entire globe while using multiple touch controls. $1.

GEOGRAPHY
World Wiki contains statistics, demographics, and other information for most countries. Free.
Historical Maps of the World as the name implies, contains many historical maps. Free.