Money to $pend

     If I had $10,000 to spend on handheld devices, I would purchase the latest versions of the iPod touch and the iPad. I would purchase Macintosh products because they are leading innovation in the handheld device market. There are also a lot of free and reasonably priced apps available. Many of the apps are educational or can be used in an educational setting. In addition, the iTunes store has reasonably priced audio books and ebooks. The apps can be used on both devices and both devices have Internet access. As a result, they can be used similarly. However, the iPads have a larger screen and are more suitable for group use.

     The iPads cost approximately $500. These iPads would be used in the library. They would not be available for circulation. I would purchase six so that a class could come to the library and work in groups of three or four. The iPads would be used for project based learning. The portability of the device would give students a lot of flexibility and allow them to move around the library while working collaboratively. Reference apps would help facilitate research. Dragon Dictation, a free speech-to-text app, could be used to record rough drafts of reports and notes about collaborative projects. Students could create multimedia presentations on the iPad using a variety of presentation apps such as Adobe Photoshop Express. Finished presentations could be uploaded to a computer or emailed. Presentations could also be shared directly on the iPad. As a result, the device could be used to plan, research, create, and present a project.

     The iPod touch costs approximately $300. It is a smaller device with a smaller screen. As a result, it is more suited to individual use. The remainder of the budget would be used to purchase these devices. They would be available for circulation. Audio books are a good way to engage reluctant readers and they are also a good way to get specialized materials to meet the needs of a variety of students. Therefore, audio books would be downloaded to the devices for students. One audio book can be downloaded to several devices. The print edition of the books would also be available. Listening to books read aloud is a good model for fluency and phrasing. It also gives struggling readers access to books that interest them, but are beyond their reading level. After listening to books, students could take AR tests to assess their comprehension. Podcasts supporting a unit of instruction could be downloaded to the devices as well.
  
    Handheld devices such as the iPod touch and iPad have multiple uses in the library. These devices can be used to plan a project, research, create a video, create a presentation, access audio books, ebooks, learning materials, and apps. Handheld devices are interactive and appeal to a variety of learners. They are necessary technology for a connected generation. For some students, access to these devices may only come through school. As a librarian, I plan to promote the use of technology for educational purposes and encourage teachers and students to use technology to enhance learning.