One of the objectives of this
course (Technology for Media Services) is to demonstrate and increased
knowledge base of the key concepts of technology and how it could support
diverse learners. Our first exploration of this objective was through podcasts/vodcasts. When I first thought about podcasts, my brain immediately thought
of some informational speech being giving in a monotone voice through my iPod. I have a tendency to think of this as"BORING”.
Having this framework in mind, I found it hard to perceive how beneficial
“podcasts” could be in an educational setting. I needed to determine if it was
something worthy to incorporate in the vast database of reserve resources. To
determine if podcasts could be useful, I began to ask questions to support this
objective. Key questions I asked myself was “How are podcasts being used in
schools and is it useful?”, “Is there any way that podcasts can be less boring?”, and Can podcasts
be used as an effective tool to facilitate 21st century skills?”
What are Podcast/Vodcasts?
So I didn't know the word Podcast
was formed from the words iPod and broadcast (Borja, 2005). Although an iPod is not required,
it is one of the tools used to listen to podcasts. Podcasts are simply an audio
file uploaded to the internet that allows users to subscribe via a feed and download
to listen to at their leisure. Vodcasts is a podcast that incorporates pictures
to create video presentation. I had the opportunity to create one. Please see
my link below. Keep in mind this was my first creation. It was not easy, but it
did inspire me to think beyond what I thought I knew and focus on its potential
as an educational tool.
Podcasting in Schools
Educators are using podcasts for a
variety of different reasons in many different subjects. According to Lamb
(2007), there is a growing number of students who favor a multimedia approach
to gaining information as opposed to reading text, and “podcasts are a way to
convey ideas and emotions that are difficult to express in text format”.
Students at Willowdale Elementary use podcasts to demonstrate what they learn
in the classroom. Students at Grandview Elementary conducted booktalks of books they read.. Both are great ways to actively engage students in learning and
could serve as an incentives for students who need differentiation from the
routine teaching methods utilized in classrooms. Check out the following links
of student podcasts from each school for ideas on how they can be used in the classroom.
Future Implications
One of the standards for the 21st century learner is for students to learn technology and use it as a tool for present and future learning. Learning to create a podcast is just the stepping stone for students to create bigger and better things such as vodcasts and other video and blogging projects. Students are able to use their creativity in producing a unique product that demonstrates their knowledge of key concepts and expertise with technology. In an article by Hew (2009), it was noted that “listening was instinctual” which was not the case with reading and writing. Since podcasts/vodcasts tap into students audio and visual senses that are instinctual it would seem that it could be used as a great tool to enrich the learning environment.
About Using Podcasts In the
School
To figure out how you want to use podcasts,
determine who your target audience is. Identify the needs of the audience and
your purpose for integrating podcasts. This should include grade levels working
with, subject area, and standards being taught. Once you establish your
audience and purpose, brainstorm possible projects using podcast and include
classroom teachers in your collaboration. Determine what software you want use
and hardware needs. Create a few examples to help students and provide them
with sample student work. Ready.Set.Go Podcast!
References:
Borja, R. R. (2005). Podcasting Craze Comes to K-12 Schools. Education Week, 25(14), 8.
Hew, K. (2009). Use of audio
podcast in K-12 and higher education: a review of research topics and
methodologies. Educational Technology Research & Development, 57(3),
333-357.
Hill J.(2012). Integrating
Podcast Technology Effectively into Student Learning: A Reflexive Examination. Journal
Of Geography In Higher Education [serial online]36(3):437-454.
Lamb, A.(2007). Podcasting in the
school library, part 1: integrating Podcasts and vodcasts into teaching and
learning. Teacher Librarian [serial online]34(3):54-57.
-Putting new wine into old wine skins-
ReplyDeleteI think podcast/vodcasts are very useful in the classroom. I remember watching the Ryan Clark movie and one scene he utilized a podcast while away from school because he was sick. He was able to provide instruction for his students and the students we very receptive. Classroom teachers will miss days from school and I think it's a great idea to be able to leave quality instruction for students when you are absent. It prevents students from thinking when the teacher's away it's time to play. When students know they are expected to perform, they tend to do so. So I absolutely love the idea of using podcasts/vodcasts for teacher absence. The problem, however is that students do not have access to technology to view and listen to the podcast/vodcast when teachers are absent. Substitute teachers are not allowed access to any mobile technology at my school. My students have access to laptop computer in class daily but when a substitute teacher replaces me, the laptops are unavailable. The availability of resources is unending in my school but sometimes the antiquated ideas about accessibility hinder the usage of the resources. We have wifi throughout our building but students aren't allowed to use cell phones. This is inexcusable! One of my mentor suggests using podcasts to review concepts in the classroom because students are more engaged (at the elementary level) when pictures and stories are used to discuss historical concepts. At the high school level, Khan Academy can be helpful when trying to explain difficult concepts. Some of my students profess to finding these vodcasts very helpful. Student created podcast is a great way for students to present information learned in class. SLMS can get student volunteers to give brief podcast of books read. The student created podcasts/vodcasts can be shared with classroom teachers as a new way of student presentations. This may prove beneficial for encouraging classroom teachers to try this useful technology in the classroom.
Wow thanks for another useful tip on using podcast/vodcasts. It's brilliant. Not only can you provide directly for student instruction but also for the substitute of the day especially if things should be done a certain way. I like how it allows us to think outside the box and focus on more effective ways to teach and learn.
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ReplyDeleteWow! It is a great idea to use the podcast to have the students communicate what they have learned. In the past, I limited the use of a podcast mainly to the teachers communicating with the students about lessons learned and the students completing a project. I am always looking for creative ways to have the students reflect on what they are learning. It provides the teachers feedback on the students’ progress. The use of a podcast would be a brilliant idea. This would give the students something to look forward to at the end of completing the assignment. It would also be easier for the teacher to view and analyze how to adjust the lesson or how to move forward with the learning objectives. Again, the students are also getting the exposure and technical training in creating the podcast.
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