norton_compare_contrast_ipods+in+school

=Compare and Contrast Opinion Piece = In the article "Using iPods in the Classroom Promotes Interactive Learning and More Effective Studying" John Parrot makes a case for schools fostering the use of iPods in the classroom because it is a way for education to embrace technologies kids love. The intended audience is adults who may be wondering about how the iPod could be used beyond a music player. Parrot suggests the apps and tools in an iPod can enhance learning within the classroom walls and beyond.

Yet, in "iPods banned in Sydney" Barb Dybwad argues iPods may lead to "social isolation or escape from our community." She argues kids with iPods avoid communication with people either purposefully or incidentally. Her intended audience is also adults. Adults seem to be the problem in both cases. Adults are visitors to this new technology-filled world. Our students are natives. We need to stop fighting the technologies they hold dear.

A drawback to iPod use in the classroom is simply the management. As Parrot mentions, "Not only do schools have to be very creative in developing the tool for the intended use, they need to be equally creative when it comes to policing the abuse." It is my opinion that iPods should be viewed as a tool just as a calculator. Not every kid should be supplied with one, yet those who like to listen to music and find it helpful in concentration should be allowed to use one. Research is out there both for and against music's affect on productivity. "In a trial where 75 out of 256 workers at a large retail company were issued with personal stereos to wear at work for four weeks showed a 10% increase in productivity for the headphone wearers." Other sources will state the opposite. Using iPods with headphones allows for the peace some need to concentrate, and allow those who need the background music to have it without distracting others.
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