iPod Nano for $99
For a limited time Apple is selling refurbished 8GB iPod Nanos for just $99 (regularly $149 new).
I used these iPods for my orchestra students’ individual assessment last year and was very happy with the results. I was able to seamlessly integrate the iPods into my rehearsals by having students record each other with the built-in video camera.
I would give an iPod to a stand of two students and they would go in a practice room or the hallway to video record each other on the pre-assigned playing test. When students were finished, they would come back in and hand the iPod to another stand, without interrupting the rehearsal. After the class was done (usually after 1-2 days) I would then watch the videos to grade them.
While watching the videos outside of class time did take away from my planning time, I found several benefits for both the teacher and the student.
For the students…
1. Students no longer had “down time” in class while waiting for others to play
2. Students did not have to play in front of a large group of students, reducing the amount of nervousness
3. Students thought it was cool to use an iPod in the classroom
For the teacher…
1. Assessments no longer took up precious rehearsal time
2. I was better able to assess my students because I could rewind, slow down, or pause, or rewatch the video. I could also better analyze exactly what was going on with right hand and left hand technique and was able to provide better feedback. I was no longer rushed to give a grade.
3. I could now have an archive of student assessment, by saving the videos to a hard drive or optical disk giving me an instant “digital portfolio” for each student
In addition to the video capabilities of the iPods, I use them to hold my Essential Elements audio accompaniments and other audio for classroom demonstration.
Video assessment is fantastic and with the sleek iPod Nano, it’s even more portable and affordable.
Stay in touch by