CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Hallsville ISD gives students a unique new way to learn

Hallsville ISD gives students a unique new way to learn

by Shavonne Herndon

HALLSVILLE (KYTX) - The latest technology can do more than entertain you - it can actually educate your child. One thousand iPods are being handed out to East Texas students. CBS 19's Shavonne Herndon takes a look at how the new initiative is giving students a unique new way to learn.

Their newest learning tools are these iPod Nanos. "I'm just very excited to do this." Third grader Thomas Goldston says his textbooks were ok, but it doesn't compare to this.

"I just read, I guess I can figure out how to put words on the movie maybe." As fellow classmates engage in a photo session it's their teachers smiling from ear to ear on this one. "They have no idea that they are learning...and don't tell them they are learning!" saod a happy teacher.  

Through the midst of listening to music, this iPod Nano will educate the students way beyond their imaginations. "For example, spelling test we can read different lists into the Nano, then they can push their play button hear my voice, take their tests we can have 20 different tests in the classroom."

Hallsville teacher Michele Walker will use her Macbook to differentiate lessons, which will be constructed to fit a specific student. The district is hoping it will help improve TAKS scores.

"Whenever we take tests, we collect data and every student will have their own lesson. They may master main ideas but lack in math and this will help catch them up to the level they need to be on, before they can go to the next level."

In the end, teachers are breaking the traditional education mainstream to give their students new opportunities to learn. "I just can't wait to start learning on it!" says Thomas.

Hallsville is the only district in a six-state radius that provides this technology to its students.