UC Davis Information & Educational Technology

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iPod: Music Tool and Learning Aid?

Posted on March 17, 2005

I see iPods. They�re everywhere. Every type of student�from the goofy computer nerd to the Mohawk-wearing, leather-clad skateboarder�can be seen sporting these portable music players. And why not, when you can take your favorite tunes with you wherever you go. But did you also know there are a whole host of other uses for these pricey little toys? In fact, the iPod makes a great tool for spicing up your education and organizing your busy college lifestyle.

The iPod as Hard Drive
Since the iPod�s inception, Apple has advertised this device�s capacity to store thousands of songs. Most people aren�t aware, though, that you can store any kind of file on this miniature hard drive. If you need a way to transfer that huge PowerPoint presentation to your friend across town or a place to store your school work temporarily while you reformat your computer, simply toss all your important documents into the iPod and carry them wherever they need to be carried. This way, you won�t have to waste precious study-time burning and labeling numerous CDs�and the iPod is rewritable, unlike some CDs.
If you don�t already know how to use your iPod as a portable hard drive, don�t worry. It�s not hard at all. For instructions, Mac users should visit www.apple.com/support/ipod/tutorial/ip_gettingstarted_t11.html and PC users should visit www.apple.com/switch/howto/ipod/�just stop before you get to step 5 because you shouldn�t need to erase your iPod.
And keep in mind that each iPod model comes with a different storage capacity (from 512MB to 60GB.) Make sure yours has enough space for your files.

From Music to Speech
Are you still angry at your roommate for hosting a huge party when you needed quiet study time? Did you fail that Spanish midterm because you couldn�t hear your audio cassettes en espa�ol? Well, don�t endure the frustration anymore. Just copy those Spanish language tapes to your iPod, pop in those baby white ear-buds and finish studying as you take a peaceful stroll through the Arboretum.
Anything from lecture tapes to language CDs can be shoved into your �pod. If you want to copy audio to your iPod, but don�t have audio equipment to make mp3�s, drop by Meyer Media Lab, located at 1154 Meyer Hall, to access the audio room�free of charge. The kind staff there can show you how you can convert your cassettes into mp3�s that your iPod can play. Call the Lab ahead of time at 752-5215 to make sure the room is available or to make a reservation for it.
Of course, language tapes are only a small part of all the stuff you need to remember. Lectures, for example, take up precious brain space, and we�ve all left a classroom only to forget the professor�s lecture moments later. Why not tape the lectures! Although the iPod doesn�t come with a microphone, for $39.95, you�ll be able to record thousands of hours of audio: the Griffin iTalk iPod Voice Recorder is available for just that price. Your instructor will be amazed at your ability to absorb his inspiring (and long-winded) lectures. (Note: This microphone attachment is not compatible with the iPod mini or the iPod shuffle.) For more ideas on how you can accessorize your iPod, visit store.apple.com and look at �Extras� under �iPod Accessories.�

To Organize or Not to Organize?
It�s not always convenient to lug around a bulky address book, but you still need to organize that 24-unit schedule of yours. Luckily, iPods (with the exception of the iPod shuffle) come with a contact list, calendars, and to-do lists. Whether you�re into Punk, Emo, Hardcore, or Beethoven, you can hum along to your favorite tunes without worrying that you�ll forget about that upcoming test in Advanced Metaphysics�or those shifts you agreed to cover for your best buddy at work.
I bet shelling out a few hundred on that iPod doesn�t seem so bad anymore. You thought you were splurging, but you accidentally bought yourself a mighty fine study aid. Enjoy the iPod�s novel functions to get a head start in class. If you�re studying those Spanish tapes, however, make sure you display the iPod proudly as you walk down the city streets; otherwise people might think you�re talking to yourself.

This column is provided to you by the student writers of Information and Educational Technology. For questions and comments, please contact ietpubsjr@ucdavis.edu.

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