MP3 Player

I've been searching for an mp3 player that is useful for schools. This would be 1) cheap, 2) just an mp3 player, 3) somewhat sturdy.
See here's the problem. I can see a teacher using an mp3 player to record directions, record primary sources, and more. But that teacher would need several mp3 players to hand out. Thus, it must be easy to load material onto multiple mp3 players. (And we're not talking copyrighted stuff here).
Next, when kids use it, they don't need to be able to listen to FM radio or use a voice record function. (Working in a middle school, the ability for kids to record voice messages for each other could be, oh, let's say, a distraction.) Thus, I would like to find an mp3 player that doesn't have any "bells or whistles".

So while I've found lots of mp3 players at $20 (a reasonable price), I haven't found one that doesn't include any extras.

How would you use an mp3 player as a teacher?

Podcasting Follow up

One of the podcasts that holds a bit of interest for me is Cut to the Core. They brought forth many of the same questions that I had about Podcasting. They brought in a teacher who notes how well it works. They also bring forth some others to talk about. Yet, I wonder how it works in "the real world". Lots of things sound good. They may work for the few who are truly bought in. These same teachers tend to be excellent teachers who have a wide variety of the things to use. Is it the ability of the teacher that truly makes a difference? How much of this technology stuff will become mainstream? Do teachers have anything to fear from some of this technology?

I urge you to check out the Cut to the Core Podcast.
You can also access it via iTunes.

Vacation

After a long summer vacation, I'm back. Ready to do more regular posting. Let's start with this one:
Is podcasting a legimate educational use? Could podcasting allow for real world application of skills? Does it really lead to more editing and more writing by kids? Is the learning curve worthwhile?

One more line of thought - Could podcasting be useful for school administrators? Does the public "tune in" to podcasts? With the time constraints of administrators, is it a benefit?

Your thoughts?