Audio Books

Blog Challenge #2 Part 1

As a K-12 media specialist I see how audio books are used at all levels.  I am going to break down my observations and how we manage them in our school.

We have both CDs and playaways in our current collection.  When making decisions about the collection of audio books, I keep the following in mind...

Positives

• Models reading fluency
• Addresses needs of audible learners
• Sharpens oral comprehension
• Use with multiple size groups
  
• A wide variety of titles available
• Single purpose device helps eliminate distraction compared to digital download devices

Challenges

• Pricey compared to book counterparts
• Parts/pieces can become missing or ruined

Uses

• Centers
  
• Personal Entertainment
• Support IEP Accommodations
• Catch students up on missed read aloud parts

Comparing Formats

Playaways

• Compact
  
• Story and device in one unit
• Requires headphones
  
• Requires batteries
  
• Controls available to reading speed
• Remembers where listener ended
• Meant to be used as a personal device
• Some companies offer replacement for damaged units

Books on CD

• Requires students to provide device
  
• Schools need to maintain classroom devices
• Longer books on multiple CDs
• More choices available
•  Need to know track and time to find where listener stopped previous session
• Can be used in multiple group sizes
• Can be shared by staggering start times

By far, playaways are the most popular format among our students.  Students don't have to worry about finding players for them and can begin listening to them immediately after checking them out.  They are also able listen to them anywhere.  However, our teachers lean toward the CDs.  Primary teachers use them in listening centers, while our upper elementary through high school teachers use them for small groups to accommodate IEPs.  Recently, we have been evaluating the circulation of CDs and noticed that with the increase of other devices such as iPads and MacBooks, teachers are using more online resources.  Because of this, we are considering weeding our CDs and putting them into classroom homes.  Our audiobook purchasing has been focused on playaways and CD versions when teachers request them to support classroom instruction.  With budgets being an issue across schools these days, it is important to purchase with purpose. 

Audiobook Policies

• Checked out for 2 weeks and renewable if needed
  
• Students are encouraged to check out the book with the audiobook
• Battery provided at check out - small charge if battery is not returned
• Earbuds can be checked out at the elementary level or purchased at the middle/high level
• Fees assessed for damages - amount varies in accordance with assessed damages