Educators Embrace iPods for Learning

Unlike most of its counterparts around the country, Roswell High School is embracing iPods and other MP3 players as educational accessories.

By Kathleen Kennedy Manzo

Roswell, Ga.

Students can use their iPod touches in plain sight in Mark Schuler’s World History class at Roswell High School here. The portable devices and the telltale ear buds are also welcome in the hallways, library, and cafeteria.

Roswell officials, unlike most of their counterparts around the country, have changed their view of the MP3 players, seeing them less as contraband and more as educational accessories. Educators at the 2,400-student school in suburban Atlanta are hoping to put more content at students’ fingertips and capture their interest by enlisting the digital tools today’s teenagers have already mastered for social and leisure purposes.

“Five years ago iPods were banned, but we got overwhelmed with trying to discipline kids and fight the technology,” says Edward Spurka, the principal of Roswell High. “Our philosophy here now is let them have it, ... so we’ve allowed all those resources out in the world to...