podcast

<< back to glossary =Podcasts=

=Table of Contents= What is Podcasting? Why should we use it in the classroom? What are the dangers of podcasting? Examples of Podcasting in the classroom Creating a podcast Links

=What is Podcasting?= Podcasting is simply putting audio on the web. Podcasting is further defined as a grouping or collection of files including audio and video sent via the internet that can be played on computers and other portable multimedia devices like an iPod or Zune. It can include weekly or daily content and is utilized for the dissemination of information. In basic terms, Podcasts are mini-radio shows about any topic that can be accessed on your computer and can be transfered to a portable MP3 player. Podcasts can be created by anyone (scary thought) and can also be linked to blogs.

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Though podcasts can be created by anyone, most are created by someone on their own computer with the requisite camera/microphone, although even that level of technology is no longer required. Using such sites as [|Gcast], it is now possible to create your own podcast with only your phone. This puts podcasting literally within everyone's reach. Other options for Mac users include [|Garageband] software which allows users to record an audio track and mix in sound effects or music. Garageband software allows users to export their finished product to iTunes or as an audio file to be embedded into a web page. [|Audacity] is another software option for both Mac and PC users.

=Why should we use it in the classroom?= Podcasts can be used in the classroom in many different manners and for many different reasons. One reason to use podcasts is to simply foster a student's imagination through the creative process. Podcasts can also allow for a flexible, interesting way for students to show what they have learned. Podcasts can demonstrate deeper levels of understanding and critical thinking. Having students create audio and enhanced podcasts allows for information to be processed visually and verbally. It addresses multiple intelligences and learning styles.

They can also be used to supplement written materials, which can be a great help to auditory and language learners. There are several students who need to reinforce what they read or heard in class, and podcasts lend themselves to this. For language learners, they can replay podcasts to better listen to the language. Additionally, video enhanced podcasts give EL students a visual connection to what they are listening to, allowing then to build on prior knowledge. Students can also listen to lectures outside of class, allowing more time for collaborative projects and one on one time with the teacher during the actual class time. In cases such as AP courses, where pace is accelerated, this can be a very valuable tool. It would also allow students who missed a class do to sickness to log in and review the lecture as to not miss any content. More over it would allow students who need extra review to listen to a class lecture again to develop more comprehension.

Podcasts can also be used to deliver information on classwork or projects remotely when students can't be in school due to family emergencies, health issues, or because the surf is up. They can also be used to help students meet California content standards for speaking. If scriptwriting is included, then some reading and writing standards can be included. Vodcasts and enhanced podcasts, which insert a visual component over the audio, can be used to review labs, presentations and demonstrations. In addition to review, vodcasts can be used to front load or preview material. The time usually spent lecturing can then be used for one-on-one with the teacher. = = =What are the dangers of podcasting?= The possibility exists of inaccurate or potentially biased information being presented to students. Likewise, messages that are not appropriate for school can be presented via a podcast although this is true of any type of media. Monitoring and student awareness is necessary to prevent such occurrences. Another obstacle to consider is that the iTunes podcasting feature is blocked at several school sites. Students may have to resort to embedding podcasts within a website, blog, or wiki.

One of the under-appreciated dangers of podcasting is that someone is actually expected to view/listen to them. Like blogs and wikis, podcasts will put students in a position where they will likely receive a variety of feedback. Caution must be taken by instructors to prevent instances of "cyber-bullying" that can occur when students publish their work online. Plagiarism and copyright infringement remain a temptation for students, especially when using the podcasting medium. Students may not realize that unauthorized use of music or sound effects is illegal, even if the music has been purchased by the students themselves.

There is also the issue with podcasting that technology is being used for technology's sake-- educators must think critically as to whether podcasting is merited, and that it adds value to the material to have it recorded and posted, or if it is simply a way to add technology to an assignment. The key component here is //interest//-- does the podcasting produce an interesting and engaging audio log, or is it a dull, lackluster, and unemotional monologue. More over creating a podcast may only teach a student how to create a podcast not understand the subject matter.

=Examples of Podcasting in the classroom= One of the most common ways to use vod or podcasting is to produce the student news that many middle and high schools produce to enlighten both students and staff about what is happening at the school site. Here is an example of one produced by [|Musselburgh Grammar School] in Scotland. Another great way to use the technology is in music classrooms. Podcasting allows students to broadcast their work for their own enjoyment, as well as for others to enjoy. Of course, it can also be used simply to publish to the Internet work done by students that would normally be heard by no one other than their peers and their teacher. Now parents can easily see or hear what their child had been producing the past three weeks locked in their bedrooms. A nice example of this is done by the students at [|Willowdale Elementary School] in Omaha, Nebraska. (Go, Corn Huskers!) iTunes also offers educational podcasts available for free download, as well as educational videos.

Some science teachers are using vodcasting in an innovative way called Pre-Vodcasting. Their idea was to turn the traditional model of teaching on its head. Normally students receive information in school and then practice with homework at home. The problem was that students would get stuck at home and have no one to help them. Their new model is to deliver content, through vodcasting, to students at home and then the classroom is used for students to practice and do activities where the teacher is there to help them. [|Click here]for their site. Here is a [|link]to their presentation. Here is a[| link] to coverage of in their local news.

Some math teachers are using podcasting to demonstrate how to solve problems step-by-step using their students ideas and creativity. They then post the podcasts on the web and students could use them as an online tutor any time they need one. Here are a couple of examples of math podcasts [|Math Mutation Podcast], [|MathGrad.com]

A history teacher would be able to record class lecture and create a vodcast allowing students to review information and collect more note at home. Students could also use the lecture if they were to miss a class. It would also allow them to review important concept for papers and exams.

[|Learning Out Loud] catalogs online podcasts and audio by subject. The podcasts are produced by a variety of organizations and should be previewed before being used in the classroom. Included in their catalog are ones produced by MOMA and SFMOMA about their art collections that can be used in an art, history or language arts classroom.

The [|Apple Learning Interchange] has many lesson ideas posted by educators for using podcasts in the classroom. Several major news and television networks have podcasts that are tailor-made for use in the classroom. The CNN network publishes daily 10-minute [|"Student News"] briefings that give students a summary of major stories from around the world.

Podcasting is a great way for students to practice second-language skills, specifically listening comprehension and speaking. Students might listen to podcasts in the language they are learning, or create them to practice speaking the language. [|Odeo] has several hundred podcasts in English available for ESL students to listen to.

Enhanced Podcasting, using audio and video, affords students a creative way to share their ideas about a subject with other learners. It's invoking 21st century learning skills as a classroom best practice. A great way to share learners' creative ideas is to have students create an enhanced podcast, using audio and video, describing a process or sharing an idea or experience. In the primary grades, students can create a story using original drawings or painting, then record their story matching their pictures to the audio script. Background music can be added to enhance the podcast.

With younger students, Podcasts are a great way to add a twist on the Listening Center. Teachers and parents can make podcasts of students' favorite stories and books. Then, students can listen to the Podcasts at the Listening Center.

Podcasts are also a great way to communicate with parent and high school volunteers. Teachers can make podcasts of lessons and activities that volunteers will be doing with students. This is a great way to pre-teach the activity/lesson to volunteers saving the teacher time and helping volunteers ease any anxiety of "not understanding/knowing what to do". Simple tasks like laminating or using the copy machine can also be taught via podcasts (or screencasts/vodcasts).

= Links =
 * http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
 * http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/