iPod learning: ear learning?

Abstract

Duke University, in the US, has distributed iPods to 1650 new students, pre-loaded with useful orientation information. Students can download from the Duke Web site, similar to iTunes, where they will find orientation schedules,audio books, language lessons, lectures, even the University song! Epic is launching a MP3 learning service. After an initial period of research, the findings of which are in a free White Paper called ‘Ear-learning’, we have scripted and recorded sample learning objects based on the 3 minute single principle. Nomadic learning or m-learning has assumed that the mobile phones and/or PDAs are the most probable devices for delivery. In practice, simple MP3 players may be more effective. iPods, in particular, have taken the market by storm. Indeed Apple has been transformed by the iPod. So does the iPod, and similar MP3 devices, offer a new channel for learning? This is already happening. The iPod is now being used as a spoken word playback device. It is clear that its consumer appeal and ease of use makes it suitable for learning through listening.