For the past few semesters, anyone taking Central Michigan University's Introduction to Teaching EDU 107 course are finding that their iPhones and iPod touches have a purpose in the classroom and they're discovering how this technology can enhance the learning environment.

The savvy devices, which have skyrocketed in popularity among college students, are utilized in a number of ways during a lecture. Uses range from a professor asking students to access material on the Internet related to a class discussion to having them take a poll on a specific topic or question to gauge their comprehension of the material being discussed in a matter of seconds.

"Using the iPod touch technology in the classroom really promotes active learning because everyone is involved," said Ruth Volz, a CMU professor who co-teaches the introductory course. "The polling also can spark some interesting discussion on what we are teaching so perhaps that one person who was too shy before will now speak up and participate."

Using this technology also prepares CMU students for their own classrooms one day. "It's the future," Volz said. "We're seeing more and more technology integrated into our classrooms today than ever before. Our students will be ready for this."

CMU freshman Carley Shann of Auburn said using her iPod touch in the classroom did take some adjustment. "Now that we've figured it out, it's pretty awesome," Shann said. "I don't know of a better way to get instant feedback from so many people in one place all at once. This technology allows  us to do that, and most of us already have an iPhone or iPod touch so that helps out, too."

Students registered for the class who don't already own an iPod touch or iPhone can rent an iPod Touch through the CMU Bookstore for $35. Students will be assigned one at the beginning of classes for the $35 dollar fee if they do not have one rented through the bookstore or one they own.

EDU 345 classrooms are currently piloting the use of the iPod Touch and other upcoming classes are expressing interest in implementing the software into their curriculum as well. If you are a CMU Staff or Faculty memeber that is interested in the iPod Touch initiative in your own classroom, please see Mike or Rob in EHS 228.

FAQs about the iPod Touch and other CEHS Technology can be found in our FAQ page. Any questions from CMU students, other universities, or the press about the iPod initiative can be emailed to ehstech@cmich.edu.

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