Using Pandora as an educational tool
One of my duties as assistant principal is supervising the world languages department. The department members and I are always looking for ways to improve classroom instruction. Below is what one of the world language teachers sent to me in an email today:
I'm excited to use Pandora because it's free and I already had a bunch of Latino stations I can use in the classroom. I can use this to play during a do now or other "down time" where students are entering or exiting or working quietly. It does have commercials but it seems like there is no interruption for continuous play.
Just thought I would share. Not sure how many other people use music in the classroom, but this certainly makes it easier. No need to bring the iPod or buy a ton of songs on ITUNEs which I have done already.
I have Pandora on my iPhone and use it from time to time, but I never thought of using it this way in the classroom. Pandora is free and available as a desktop version as well so you do not need an iPhone or iPod Touch to use it.
A constant challenge in a world language classroom is for students to hear native speakers speaking the language. A number of the teachers in the department have used songs as a way to meet this need quite effectively. Using Pandora opens up many more possibilities.
