Tape recorders can be used for both collecting and delivering information (i.e., books on tape). 

Suggestions for Classroom Use:

• For a language arts lesson that incorporates tape recorders, visit: http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/writing/tguide/index.asp?topic=Other#description (Link will open in a new window.)
  
  
• During pre-writing brainstorming sessions, tape record students’ ideas. Later, individually, in pairs, or in small groups, students can listen to the tape, discuss ideas, and make a list of the ideas they like.
  
  
• Have students use the tape recorder to document interviews, observations, experiments, and selected activities. Listening to the tapes later can stimulate discussion and ideas for writing.
  
  
• Have students tape record themselves reading their first drafts. Later, as they listen to themselves and follow along with the text, have them use a magic marker to note places where they can elaborate.
  
  
• Have students who struggle with writing compose their first drafts using a tape recorder as an alternative mode of expression. After listening to the tapes, students can then transcribe and revise the first drafts into more finished pieces.
  
  
• Give students a visual prompt (e.g., a picture or object) and have them tape record all their thoughts and observations. Sometimes providing students with a set of prompting questions (e.g., What do you see? What colors do you like? What is happening?) elicits additional ideas.