iRead Wiki/Blog

where updated

information is kept.

Project iRead is a group of teachers dedicated to the idea that digital audio can be a powerful learning tool for all students. iRead will give you a chance to create meaningful, curriculum-centered audio projects with your students. Teachers are using digital audio tools (iPods, mics, Garageband, iTunes, Keynote, etc. and various accessories) to improve reading processes. Teachers meet on a monthly basis to exchange ideas and strategies. We have started collecting data about fluency rates - this has been very promising.

2008-09

In 2008-09, we are changing the focus of iRead from Fluency to Language Arts, especially Reading Comprehension. Projects types will be broader and teachers will upload sample projects to their blog. We are excited about the changes we are making. In addition, we are moving from the iPod Nano to the iPod Touch.

Timeline

iRead Wiki/Blog - where updated information is kept.

2007-08 Information

Initial areas of focus have included:

Self Reflection - student reads, records his/herself, listens to it and compares it to text being read

and will start

Miscue Analysis - class assessment: student reads passage; teacher analyzes and records errors on paper

Universal Access - passage recorded w/ questions

Echo Reading - skilled reader records passages; student listens to and tries to read passage, imitating reader

Readers Theatre - students are recorded using GarageBand

Teachers have also collected and shared ideas for managing digital audio in the classroom. This includes packaging, labeling, and collecting iPods, as well as how and what data to enter into the iTunes database.

Equipment - when we first started, we tried a variety of equipment for this project - some useful, some not. We are now suggesting for a classroom:

• iPod Nanos - smallest size - 2GB (the more iPods you have, the better. But even w/ just one, activities can be done). You might want to check out refurbished nanos- -I've seen the 2GB Gen2 nano for $80 here
• Charger for each Nano - we initially had 1 charger - teachers said it was a lot easier with 1:1.
• Silicon case - the hard practic cases did not work well in this setting
• Microphone - we used the MicroMemo in 06-07 - teachers liked them. At this point, it doesn't look like the MicroMemo will work with the new 3G Nanos. Belkin also makes a Mic - the TuneTalk. (one of our teachers found iTalk Pros at Radio Shack for $20 - a steal - maybe it was a close outl)
• Speakers - great way for the whole class to hear something OR plug the ipod into a TV or boombox.
• Splitters - this allowed two students to listen to one iPod. Some teachers even split the splitters. Better to use a cable splitter.
• Stereo Jackbox (a listening center) - plug this into the Nano. Four headsets can be plugged in to it. Here is the only w/3.5 stereo mini jack we could find: http://www.califone.com/pdf/spec_sheets/Learning_Systems/1214AVPS_2005spec.pdf - OR you can get an 1/8 to 1/4 inch adaptor that will allow you to connect an ipod to an older style 1/4 inch jackbox - ~$5.
• Great Deal - for under $20 get "CTA Travel Groove Gift Set" - it comes with a charger, splitter, two ear buds, small speakers, sock and cloth.

iRead iPod Management - Here is a list if management ideas created by our veteran iRead teachers

iTunes Management - making a smart playlist and more

iRead CUE Presentation - (~8MB PDF)
iRead Calendar in iCal - Click on this link to download the iRead meetings to your iCal
iPod case colors - This link shows you the eventual colors of the iPod covers
iPod Gen3 Manual - Here's a PDF of the new iPod manual

Other Resources

In Some Schools, iPods Are Required Listening

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/09/education/09ipod.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2

"Exploring Audio Tools To Improve Learning" - a Classroom 2.0 group for trading ideas

http://www.classroom20.com/group/audiotools

Resource Links for Reading Analysis (the non-digital basis for the reading strategies) provided by Jorge
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/readwriteplus/bank/Miscue%20Analysis.pdf
http://www.sil.org/lingualinks/literacy/ImplementALiteracyProgram/UsingEchoReading.htm
http://www.ops.org/reading/fluencystrategies.htm
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/education/general.html
http://www.d21.k12.il.us/dept_instr/langarts/parentinfo/choral_rdg.html
http://www.rocksforkids.com/FabFours/choral_reading.html
http://www.aimsweb.com/hampton-brown/
http://www.nifl.gov/partnershipforreading/publications/html/mcshane/chapter5.html

Reading Fluency w/iPods and Garageband

http://edcommunity.apple.com/ali/story.php?itemID=10804

http://www.apple.com/education/profiles/grandisland/

http://misterteacher.blogspot.com/2007/06/developing-reading-fluency-through-ipod.html

http://books.google.com/books?id=vjfoYpVItV4C&pg=PA162&lpg=PA162&dq=ipod+echo+reading&source=web&ots=s1HIFmpT00&sig=g6MnzxkSFnGBwABgijMxCj-qvtE

Listening to Letter Sounds

http://edcommunity.apple.com/ali/story.php?itemID=9889

iPod Reporters

http://edcommunity.apple.com/ali/story.php?itemID=10669

http://weskids.com/nano/

Newcomers Learn Local History

http://edcommunity.apple.com/ali/story.php?itemID=10665

Oral Histories

http://edcommunity.apple.com/ali/story.php?itemID=10667

Tools & Resources

Sing That iTune widget

http://www.widgetgallery.com/view.php?widget=36261

homepage.mac.com/dvineducation/podcastfiles/ClassroomUsesforiPodandiTunes.pdf

Stereo Jackbox - accepts 1/4inch and 3.5mm stereo headphones

http://www.califone.com/pdf/spec_sheets/Learning_Systems/1214AVPS_2005spec.pdf

Videocue Pro - free for creating videos 30 seconds or less (software $90 for more than 30 secs); includes easy to use teleprompter & chroma key features

http://www.varasoftware.com/products/videocue/