Mercy High School pioneers use of iPod as portable language lab

February 8, 7:40 PMBaltimore Private Schools ExaminerMeredith Bower

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Mercy's Mothers' and Fathers' Clubs have purchased 25 iPods for use in World Language classes.

Mercy High School

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The girls at Mercy High School are no strangers to iPods, and using them on campus is usually restricted, but recently that changed, as the technology became the newest tool in the foreign language kit.

iPods in the Classroom
Giggles swept through the classroom as students listened to their own voices recorded for the first time speaking in another language. The students in Meghan Meros’ Spanish class were using the newest technology to hit a language class - iPods. Through a generous grant from Mercy High School's Fathers’ and Mothers' Clubs, the World Language Department has purchased 25 iPods, plus accessories, to be used in all the World Language classes.

“The portable language lab will be used by both teachers and students. Students will be able to record themselves and each other, and then upload it for the teacher. The teachers will be able to create materials to use with the iPods that supplement the normal textbooks, as well as assess the students’ progress,” said Department Chair, Ludmila Adler.

Technology benefits students and teachers
Using technology in such an innovative way is making it possible for language teachers to explore new techniques to help their students. Recording interactive assignments with classmates, practicing for the AP exam, and allowing some students to move ahead while other students may need more time to practice is now possible.

Mercy High School makes Wi-Fi connections available to its students throughout the building. Using the wireless capability of the iPods, students can connect to the Internet to research specific topics. For example, Ms. Meros has bookmarked a particular Spanish dictionary site on the iPods enabling students to research differences in the cultural usage of certain words and giving the students a deeper experience when learning a language. Furthermore, it will enable the girls to be more proficient when speaking in a language other than English.