MP3 Resonse

Although, as a former Spanish minor in undergrad, I would have loved the opportunity to listen to the language through my iPod, I am concerned by this article in general. The article states that this technology allows students to "practice their Spanish conversations anywhere". The question that concerns me is, how is listening to an iPod considered a "conversation"? I understand that one can speak along as they listen, however, I'm not sure this is as effective as an actual discussion in Spanish. In general, it is much more difficult to have to create spontaneous sentences in conversation, than to speak out loud to a recording. $11,000 just seems like a lot of money to spend on a technology that won't be as effective as meeting up with your Spanish classmates in the cafeteria for a discussion. If students truly want to incorporate technology into this equation, I would suggest calling classmates on a cell phone, and carry a conversation in the language. My skepticisms extend beyond the use of the iPod in Spanish class. In an era where more and more of the written word is replaced by the image, we should be focusing on strengthening reading skills. Although the article claims that "contrary to parents' concerns, listening to books encourages reading", I'm just not sure I see the connection.While I see the importance of this technology for students with impairments, I just remain a bit skeptical over something that might decrease actual discussion and discourse.