Teachers looking for ways to utilize technology for student achievement

by Derra Clark

The iPod is one of the most popular products of our nation’s youths and it can be useful for teachers’ class lectures. Social studies teacher Mr. Irelan is trying to set up a way to podcast (an audio file that students can download to their MP3 devices) his lectures. “If (kids) miss a lecture, they have a way of making it up,” said Mr. Irelan. Mr. Irelan wants to record one of his economics classes and a government class.

The podcast will be very important if you are absent for a day of school and you miss a lecture or need to make up board work. “I think it’s a really neat idea for students who aren’t here at school; they can listen to the lecture,” said junior Kayla Clark.
It will also be very helpful to Pittsford’s future teachers, “If he does retire, we have the material for a new teacher,” said Mr. Cook.

The downside is that some students won’t make use of the podcast. “I can’t make them listen, it will be to their benefit,” said Mr. Irelan. The idea is nothing but beneficial to the students, as long as they utilize the opportunity.

Currently the plan has hit a snag. Mr. Cook and Mr. Irelan are not exactly sure if and when any podcasting will even happen. “Right now we’re working out the quirks of the iTunes store,” said Mr. Cook. When it comes to the future Mr. Cook has a lot of ideas. “I’d like to get a smart board in every classroom. I’d like to have projectors in every classroom hooked up to the computers so that teachers can interact with the kids online. Also, I’d like to have wireless classrooms,” said Mr. Cook.

No one is exactly sure when podcasting will be put in motion, but everyone at Pittsford is looking to the future and finding new ways to better the education of the students.