The iSchool initiative (Mobile Learning)

[vickyhaxton392]

but its just an ipad, and i dont like how it wouldnt let u on the internet for like fb, its kinda rubish:/, now that av seen the end:/

[vickyhaxton392]

this would be good because we wouldnt have to bring a heavy we would just have to bring a ipod:D

[Twilight639]

what about the progessors that dont allow this kind of technology. a lot of college professors want their students to get the books and write papers in green books, thats what most professors in my class ask for.

[339justdoit]

Wow Ф.Ф really demostration

[diop18]

I have been trying to teach this way for years. My district is in the very same shape that you described. I am so frustrated because last year we supposed to be so broke, yet all of the principals received new Ipads, and here I am an Electrical Engineer trying to teach math to students with below average skills and I have no SmartBoard, yet English teachers have a one and laptops! It's so backwards that I just broke down and bought my own projector!

[notheotherklaus]

many good ideas, but

1. why call it iSchool, only favours Apple, who are only too keen to build systsme that are incompatible with others

2. why not develop this with open source systems, that is, free and democratic

3. large companies like Its Leaning and Blackboard are already developing similar solutions

But keep up the good work!

Klaus

[computerlady710]

@notheotherklaus think it's because Apple has the Apps to support effective learning with technology. The iOS provides an easy way for teachers to teach students the way THEY learn. It also provides multiple ways to expand knowledge, organize & communicate. If you are honest you will admit NO other company can come close to what Apple offers in its iOS. At least to this date. Who knows... but Apple doesn't own the letter "i" do they? There are other products out there with the letter "i".

[mickeydee23]

I am a middle-school teacher and from a standpoint of money savings and interactivity, I believe the iSchool will be the wave of the future. Just from the standpoint of cost-savings on the price of books. Can you imagine having textbooks that are interactive and in electronic format; a means of updating your curriculum by downloading the latest updates? This is truly where we should be and I only hope that those in power will listen before we become “last” in the technological revolution.

[brandofo]

Why would you want to remove pencils and paper completely from schools? Certainly they would still serve some purpose even if every student had an iPod.

I wouldn't describe printing books as "wasting precious natural resources." Maybe the children in Congo who are being forced to work in dangerous mines to extract the metals needed to make iPods for privileged populations could be considered a waste of natural resources.

However, I am sure your idea could generate large profits for Apple.

[brandofo]

This is a neat idea and all, but I have some questions.

How is this different from when Duke gave every incoming freshmen an iPod back in 2004? Was that program effective at Duke?

You mention that the iPod has powerful applications that can teach students about the periodic table, US presidents, and the planets. That sounds great for elementary and middle school students, but the educational value that these apps would provide for college students is questionable.

[iSchoolinitiative]

@brandofo Thank you for your comment. I actually use my iPad and only my iPad in all of my college courses. I am a digital learner. I do not own books, printers, ink, paper, or pencils. With the iPad and iPod touch I can take notes, research papers, use it as a graphing calculator and even do things like create music. All of this in under 1.5 pounds! Compared to most of my fellow students who carry over 50 pounds of books, etc. My iPad has completely revolutionized the way I do education.

[11dmac92]

@iSchoolinitiative That is great to hear! I'm actually thinking of investing in an iPad 2 and wireless keyboard to replace a traditional laptop for my freshman year in college. It is so versatile+totally beats lugging around notebooks+textbooks! I have one huge question though. Where is the best place to find college textbooks for the iPad? I've seen many people state various places including amazon and what few are on inkling. Are there any other places a freshman could get most of their books?

[iSchoolinitiative]

@11dmac92 Thanks for the question. First, I would just like to suggest having you use the iPad without buying a wireless keyboard at first. You may find you like typing on the touch screen. I get most of me textbooks 1 of 2 ways right now. I either pull it directly off the online site where I purchased it, for example connect books from Mcgraw hill. The second way I access a lot of my textbooks is through an app called coursesmart. Please feel free to ask any other questions!

[11dmac92]

@iSchoolinitiative Thanks for the reply! Makes sense that I would at least try the touchscreen first to see how I like it rather than outright buying a $100 Zaggmate or something. I'll also be sure to make a note of those two places for books as I get closer to making the purchase of my iPad in the coming months. I guess I could ask if you know of any good apps for an Engineering major? Since I am not an owner of any Apple products, I am unaware of how extensive their apps are. :-P

[TheKorigMaster]

Great Idea, My school in the UK will use this clip to show a good use of initiative. I think this could revolotionise learing around the world.

[Soothfish]

The ruling class will never tolerate these new ideas. They are deliberately dumbing down students in public schools to get them helpless and dependent on the government ruling class.

They will do everything in their power to fight these initiatives, even if it means bankrupting the working class and and censuring the internet.

[iSchoolinitiative]

@Soothfish While I understand your perspective, I have to disagree. My generation believes that anything is possible. We are not closed off to new ideas, or have the notion that "the ruling class will never tolerate these new ideas." To me, that is one of youth’s greatest blessings. Technology has already revolutionized the way we shop, socialize and play, why not improve the way we learn?

[Armigerous]

You're on the right track,kid...but you're going to play hell getting unionized teachers to give this idea the time of day...you only have to look at Madison,Wisconsin to know what you're up against in that department...but you've got my wholehearted support for what that may be worth

[iamtheav8r]

these people are Cisco shills. They're bought and paid for by Cisco.

[iSchoolinitiative]

@iamtheav8r We are in no way affiliated or funded by Cisco. You may have seen their ad appear from our CNN video but those are ads that CNN puts in their videos.

[ambermaem1]

I love this idea but does it have the capability to provide decent penmanship training? I realize we all use the computer more and more these days but we all still need to learn how to write correctly so we don't all have the penmanship of a 5 year old.

[Karrisama]

This is brilliant.

[TheMinistryMan]

Very impressed with the idea and the video was very well made and presented. I am a semi retired teacher trainer from the UK now living in NZ. I hope this idea becomes a reality, because we owe it to the "Igen" kids(born after 1994). Perhaps there are lots of baby boomers like me who are prepared listen and support it.

[TheMinistryMan]

Very impressed with the idea and the video was very well made and presented. I am a semi retired teacher trainer from the UK now living in NZ. It hope this idea becomes a reality, because we owe it to the "Igen" kids(born after 1994). Perhaps there are lots of baby boomers like me who are prepared listen and support it.

[tarantjel]

...just one thing: do you really believe using this is "going green"? I was just wondering if you did research how this magic device was being produced...starting from getting all the precious minerals out of some Amazon regions where the rivers are being highly polluted...just to think about it holistically!!

[eliteratelibrarian]

I am a middle school librarian. We have started using iTouches with our kids and we love it. I agree that mobile is the future. Great job on your presentation. Good luck.

[cheerbuddie]

there is such a thing as ischool high.

i go to the school.

its in dallas texas.

[TheAbner94]

thanks, do you think we will be able to use facetime on the ipods?

[TheAbner94]

hey what the song that you played at our assembly at kearns high school that 1234 one?

[TheAbner94]

hey what the song that you played at our assembly at kearns high school that 1234 one?

[iSchoolinitiative]

@TheAbner94 It was by Chris Brown - Forever.

[dhandhusam]

There are some good mobile learning applications available on Android platform as well. Once of them is "mGuessWho!?" developed by GyanMobile. This is an interesting socially collaborative edutainment game app that allows two students to interact with each-other to share or exchange knowledge and score relative points.

[KuntaSlai]

I go to Kearns High and we are getting this this year and I AM SO EXCITED. Its pretty soon and I am sure this is gonna be pretty sweet. Thanks iSchool.

[ThatKiddKia]

I go to Kearns to :D Cant wait!! Less than a month:D Guess all of Kearns will see you soon!! :D

[wathier123]

Ur really smart

[blackscent]

my whole class is doing a persuasive essay on why we should get this and she showed the class this video..everyone agrees that we should get it except me, you have some great points and im trying to make even better points on why we should NOT get itouches.

[idkoresal]

hey i go to Kearns high school and i cant wait to get the ipods in school i hope that it does alot better than the boring text book but the only down fall was that ppl went to kearns just to get the ipod:( so the school is crowded but non the less i cant wait :)

[javi9446]

LOL YOU SOUND LIKE R.J. BERGER!!!! Ha. But I go to Kearns High too. see ya there.

[gamingaddict1995]

Smartest idea ever I know in the future our children will be using something like this and we won't have to worry about our planet anymore... I have sent this video to my school district and planning on sending it too all the school districts that I can find... If u wanna help do what I'm doing in your town or even state

[toshow1022]

Im a freshman in henry county high and it looks like im going to be buying some apps, it is an everyday struggle to stay organized

[AppleiPodHelp1]

great video great idea if only my school could start this great job man!

[Travmadsen]

My school will be doing this. i am getting my ipod in november =) 

[iSchoolinitiative]

@Travmadsen That is great to hear! Where is your school located and what is the name of it?

[Travmadsen]

@iSchoolinitiative i go to Kearns High near Salt lake city Utah. =D November 5th is the day we will be starting this program =)

[iSchoolinitiative]

@Travmadsen Thats the day my team and I fly out to do a seminar at your school to kick start your iPod Touches. =) Looking forward to going out there and meeting you all!

[Travmadsen]

@iSchoolinitiative Awesome! im sure you guys wil love my school  its pretty great! !

[LostHero245]

The iPad is far from economically advantageous though.

[cardcollector6794]

my school got a grant for this :)

[Artsychick15]

Good work. Keep it up ;)

[jayry55]

This will not work. What about the money for developing the applications and the money needed to pay for those applications.

It's an idea, but with no planning. A dream.

[iSchoolinitiative]

@jayry55 Thanks for the comment. I understand your skepticism but you may want to look into the idea more before you shoot it down. It is not only possible, but happening in many schools all over the world.

Money for developing applications is not necessary. There are thousands of educational apps already out on iTunes and new ones are always being made. As far as paying for the apps, I see buying a 1 dollar graphing calculator app a lot more cost effective then paying 100 dollars for one.

[jgates513]

Was this an assignment to do this? What was your motivation? When did it occur to you to make this video?

[eirikol1]

dude, it would be better if you go with a bigger device like the iPad.

[iSchoolinitiative]

@eirikol1 This video was made a year ago when the iPad did not exist. Our iSchool Initiative team has already switched our efforts to the iPad.

[eirikol1]

@eirikol1 okay, thats good :P great effort :P

[oldnewbreed]

really good job. Great work with powerpoint interesting concept.

[arekasadara]

thax for video! Looking for more additional m-learning cases...

[HenrySHK]

i like your idea

[mjrights]

This would be much more powerful if it weren't brand specific. Let's get the entire electronic device industry competing to create a Handheld Education niche. Replace the prefix "i" with "e", and I'm on board!!

[mingrc123]

really ince video tho.

[mingrc123]

But the iTouch/iPhone costs more than a regular Graphing calculator.

[mingrc123]

I don't mean to be picky, but you put a picture of the iPhone up when you said it was the iTouch and on the iPhone screen it had the apps that only an iTouch can have.

[kmhsmarinmath]

Love the concept, but I question how corporate America will influence the education. Some will be good, others will not... guess that would be my only hesitancy in trying this.

[ween316]

you really like your ipod!

[HashamFazli]

causing a lot of people to go broke and less tax for the government

[HashamFazli]

everyone would cheat and send answers.

[teachdifferent20]

Because students never cheat without technology.

If they are cheating, then the teacher is asking the wrong kinds of questions. Asking the right kinds of questions, and authentic assessment pretty much stops cheating in its tracks.

[HashamFazli]

there is so many flaws in this, what if the teachers ipod crashes, there goes alot of work, what if someone steals one.... what if they want to do homework, u cant take it from school since its school property. basic skills need to be learnt at school, this will make the next generation of students rely on poking a metal object instead of learning how to write and read from books. and from marketing this will ruin alot of business's, values on paper, school supplies and ipods will drop. causing

[iSchoolinitiative]

I appreciate your criticism and perspective on the concept. But you should know, iPod touches are always sinked up to your iTunes account so you can never lose your content. Also students will take the iPod Touch home, if they couldn't it would defeat the purpose. If you open your mind to the possibilities this idea could have, you might see the value of what it can do for our education. The great part about this Initiative is that it is constantly changing. No idea is perfect the first try!

[dbeatyatasd]

Steve Jobs gets sicker every time someone calls an iPod Touch an iTouch.

[iSchoolinitiative]

I've started correct this issue shortly after making the video . =)

[ab1tchslap]

We can still use paper in art class right? I'd be a little pissed off if I had to draw on an itouch. Will kids still have the ability to write?

[iSchoolinitiative]

Of course students will still have to maintain the ability to write. The iPod Touch can be used as a great tool, not a complete replacement for school. In the art room, it could be used to get ideas, pictures and also look at other artists work, but you would still use regular art supplies.

[ab1tchslap]

Well I guess it's a good idea then.

[sendkathy]

Nice presentation. I love my itouch and am trying to get a pilot program started in my classroom, however I have several concerns. For one thing, wouldn't the itouches have to be 'unlocked' so they could all be updated by one primary itunes profile, then also on their home computers if they were absent for instance and needed updatesl? We don't have 1:1 computers, nor do we have time to let each kid sync up their pods directly. How would the real time updating take place at home/school?

[aussieandroo]

You've done your homework and have created a professional, convincing presentation. I'm a teacher in Ohio and would jump at this opportunity. You have an uphill battle ahead of you, but your arguments are strong and based on evidence. More power to you!

[onealchris]

Thanks for this - fantastic overview. I'm starting an ipod pilot with some schools this fall. Visit ipodclassroom . wikispaces . com

[laneykathy]

This is very possible. All that you discuss is happening in our school, although we are using laptops for all students. It has transformed education in our school to something that is dynamic and engaging. Students take care of their computers very well...they understand that it is the future, and they dread the end of the school year when they have to turn them back in.

[iSchoolinitiative]

Join the Community to be updated with the latest iSchool news on my website! Link is in the side bar.

[smphoto01]

Well put together. Strong examples of this concept already in use do exist, though primarily in the higher ed space. Abilene Christian University is considered a a leader in the field. I recently attended a large conference on the subject they hosted. Impressive stuff.

[ATBROW00]

Hate to be the one to burst the bubble, but this plan doesn't take into account a lot of issues.

1.) How many students, will lose, break, sell, or have their iPod Touch stolen? Will the school replace it? Will the student?

2.) A teacher's resources are limited to what app makers deem important. (i.e. math is more than formulas)

3.) Restricted access to the Internet is not infallible. My wife is a teacher and can't access a lot of educational content.

4.) It's an iPod Touch...not an iTouch.

[iSchoolinitiative]

Thanks for the comment, ATBROWN00. I have realized it is actually called iPod Touch and have changed it on my website and new videos. As far as students losing them etc. If they can keep a cellphone on them at all times then they certainly can keep an iPod Touch on them. If they do get stolen or lost though the student will be responsible to replace it just like they would if they lost there graphing calculators.

[iSchoolinitiative]

The iSchool is not designed to replace everything, teachers will still have access to all there old material and still find many, if not more, ways to be creative in the classroom. The great thing about the iSchool is, even without internet, it has so much potential to be a great tool. If you would like a more detailed response then please visit my website at ischoolinitiative. com or contact me at travis.ischool@gmail. com

Thanks!

[z0a0c7h]

Well Done! This video truly shows that you are taking this seriously. You come off very professional and well read on the subject. I think that once this video gets some more exposure it will spread like a wildfire and, at minimum, make people start to think about the public school problem in the present day. I wish the iSchool Initiative the very best and will share this video with everyone I know.

[CR8YOURF8]

Could it be that the answer to transforming America's Schools, boosting the economy by saving educational funds, protecting the environment and exposing kids to world class information and content can all be found in this initiative spear-headed by Travis Allen? If the polished nature of this ingenious and articulate young man is any indicator-- You may want to pick up a few shares of Apple.

[davidmesaaz]

When I said it will never work it makes too much sense. It was a bit tongue in cheek. The lobbying groups special interests that sell books like the income that comes from book sales maps etc. Change requires risk and government is definitely risk averse.

I like the Kindle as a reading device. When you count up the cost of the number of books it costs for one year it comes close to the kindle costs right now. You can have every book in the public domain....

[allenopia]

I understand where your coming from. In fact I think its the very reason Travis launched this initiative. We can no longer wait for government and the public school system to step into the future. I believe a grassroots movement will be necessary to push this kind of essential change. This iSchool initiative has the power to make that happen if we help Travis reach critical mass. Once the tipping point is reached they will have to comply with the will of the people.

[Softdev2k]

Well done Travis. An idea whose time has come. Where do I sign on?

[iSchoolinitiative]

Visit the website at ischoolinitiative. com and sign the guestbook, explore the website and find out more on what you can do to help the cause, bringing technology one step closer to our classrooms!

[davidmesaaz]

This makes too much sense therefore it will never work. It requires teachers and teachers unions administrators to change. What is simple and intuitive for the younger generation is not for the older generation.

This is a classic example of what Gingrich called the world that works which are private industries with the world that doesn't the government. The government spent 15 billion to develop a portable device for the US Census but gave up because they couldn't get it to work.

[teachdifferent20]

I totally agree with you. However, that which is simple and intuitive for the older generation is not for the younger generation. Moreover, we need to prepare students for today and tomorrow, not yesterday. I often hear about creating "lifelong learners", by older faculty not learning they are setting a poor example to students. Last time I checked, teaching is about the kids, not my personal comfort.

[kmhsmarinmath]

am I reading this correct... you think the older generation is more intuitive with technology than the younger?? If that's the case, then I beg to differ. My students are light years ahead of me and I am one of the most "techie" teachers on staff. We are doing a disservice by not using as much tech as possible.

[disihing]

Fantastic idea, and too think how well put together his propsal was. For a 17 year old young man, "wow" - I look forward to seeing what becomes of him in the future.

[analitic42]

Travis, I've been thinking about ideas like this for some time. never thought to use the itouch though! Perfect. Apple loves this kind of thing!

[jimbolisk]

Your idea is fantastic. Actually, you could save even more money by eliminating the need for the physical stuctures that are schools and have home-based education with this system....Why waste all the energy of running a school, when all education could be done from homes?

[proffitness1]

As a teacher, I love this idea! Great job Travis! You'll go far in life with your amazing imagination!

[kylesmith2222]

Great project and well done, Travis.

[allenopia]

I'm glad somebody is willing to do something! Talk is cheap! Great idea and great video travis!

[GARNERLOOKING]

Travis, What a fabulous presentation. Job well done.

Good Luck,

Carol