Educating Delta Students With iPod Technology

Mayo Flynt, Dr. Lana Seivers, Dr. Hank Bounds

Innovative technology will soon be helping some Delta students learn the three R's in a whole new way. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports, in the process it may even inspire a whole new generation of educators.

Beginning next fall a select group of 11th and 12th grade students in the Delta will be taught how to tutor middle and elementary school children using iPod technology. It's part of a test program by the Mississippi center for education Innovation. Executive Director Dr. Lana Seivers explains the concept.

“The student can take the iPod touch and access a lesson on vocabulary and everything from algebra, geometry. What we’re starting on are concepts that are more universally missed on the Mississippi state test.”

At least 30 students will get the instructional podcasts and iPods as part of a grant from the AT & T Foundation, Company President, Mayo Flynt sees it as a great way to bring new opportunities to an emerging workforce.

“We live in an information society and if we don’t have educated citizens we’re gonna fall behind competitively. And we know that starts with very young ages.”

Mississippi needs 2500 new teachers in the classroom. That's why State department of Education Superintendent hank bounds also hopes the program will help inspire future educators.

“You never know what’s going to turn the light on for a kid. And it may be seeing that they’re making a difference with younger kids that might help them to think about what their future might look like.”

The program will also be used in higher education to help train potential teachers. For MPB News, I'm Lawayne Childrey.