iPod
Overview
What is it?
The iPod is a portable media device released by Apple Inc. in 2001. The initial model was an audio player but the device has since gone through several generations of upgrades and now includes the ability to store, display and play back images, video and games in special iPod formats. There is also a voice memo function that allows the user to attach a third party microphone and make audio recordings that can be transferred to a computer for editing and distribution. The iPod depends on the free iTunes software to manage multimedia content and install updates to the software (called "firmware") that runs the iPod. The process of updating the iPod content from iTunes is called "synchronization".
Key features
- Menu structure allows user to browse content in several different ways
- Setting to change display of iPod menus to one of more than fifteen different languages
- Can connect to an external sound system, TV or projector to play audio or display video and images stored on the iPod
Who uses it?
The iPod is the top seller in the United States for portable media players and is very popular among college students. Its versatility has made it useful in education as well, and many schools and especially institutions of higher education are using iPods or similar devices in some way to support teaching and learning.
How does it work?
The user of an iPod browses its library of materials by using the clickwheel on the front of the device to navigate menus. There is a button in the center of the clickwheel that is used to select the current menu option. Content is transferred or "synchronized" to the iPod via a USB connection to a Macintosh or Windows computer that has iTunes installed. The user adds multimedia content to the iTunes Library by importing CDs, adding original materials or purchasing content from the iTunes Store. Each time the iPod is connected to the computer, the user can update the iPod Library through the synchronization process.
Things to consider before using an iPod
- The iPod is managed using iTunes, so you need to have regular access to a computer with iTunes to keep your iPod updated and to synchronize content.
- Apple issues frequent updates to the iTunes software; you should try to keep your version current, especially if you are using iTunes to manage an iPod device.
- The iPod runs on a battery which can be recharged by connecting the iPod to a computer USB port or by plugging the iPod in to an electrical outlet with a special adapter. You should make sure that your iPod is fully charged before recording longer voice memos, since the recording quality can diminish as the battery charge is drained.
Uses as an Instructional Technology
- Playback and display of digital course content for individual viewing or in the classroom setting
- Recording of original materials for student use, including interviews, model performances, review questions or pronunciation of foreign language vocabulary
- File storage for other materials frequently used in the classroom, such as Powerpoint presentations
- Student use of the recording feature to record performance and practice activities, for field research and interview recording, and for class discussions
Resources at Duke
- CIT provides support to faculty as part of the Duke Digital Initiative iPod program
- The Duke Digital Initiative Web site includes a variety of help materials about iPod use
- CIT's reports on Duke Digital Initiative activities include information about instructional uses of iPods
