Sunday, June 9, 2013

Blog Post #5: Podcasts

drawing of podcast logo
Judy Scharf
The word podcast, as described by, Judy Scharf contributor of Podcast Collection, comes from the two words, "broadcast" and "iPod." Scharf also describes podcasts as being a "radio-style" talk show. Podcasts may be listened to, on any device that has internet capabilities, or the ability to store the "talk show" (i.e. MP3 players). Scharf shares a link to an instructional video found on TeacherTube: Podcast Instructions. The video was developed to tell what a podcast is, step by step instructions for creating a podcast, and other educational ways to take advantage of podcasts. Aside from the video, Scharf also included tips on creating a well developed podcast.
"1. Make sure you spend enough time learning Audacity (or the software you use) to feel comfortable with it.
2. Give students a choice of topics.
3. Let students pick the people they want to work with.
4. Have some exemplary podcasts for them to listen to.
5. Include a list of criteria for research.
6. Allow plenty of time to complete the project. Everything takes longer than you think it will!
7. Invite the principal, department chairperson, or some other person to come in and see the presentations. Students will be very proud of their work."
-Judy Scharf's Tips to Succeeding
Langwitches: Flat Stanley
A first grade class read a book by Jim Brown titled "Flat Stanley." The class was then given an assignment to prepare themselves for an upcoming, entire class podcast project:
"As their homework assignment, they were to pick a location of their choosing and to borrow a book from the library about that location. They could also use the internet to research their destination. Together with their parents they read the book and wrote a short script that needed to include: The location (City, State, Country, and/or Continent). How did they get there (transportation)? What did they do at that location? How did they get back home?"
-Langwitches Blog January 5, 2010
After an extensive brainstorming session, the class recorded the podcast on GarageBand. The podcast was posted on Langwitches Blog and the comments were nothing but positive! Educators from all over the world were astounded at the creativity of the assignment developed by the first graders, SIX YEAR OLD students! One blogger commented by saying, "you all did a wonderful job with this podcast! I think your reading is exceptional especially with your enthusiasm and expression! You kept my attention the whole time! I enjoyed listening to your travels!" -Sally Boone

The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom
Joe Dale provides a clip that describes the benefits of podcasting in a classroom, on his blog. A few of Dale's main points provided in the video are:
-an effective way of interacting with students outside of the classroom "-a form of learning students of today are familiar with and therefore makes it relevant to them
-it allows for differentiation and project based learning
-it can offer distance learning opportunities for absent students
-students can record role plays in character making their learning more memorable
-parents can see and hear what their children are doing at school"
-Joe Dale
Dale also provides many links to instructional videos for using GarageBand, and how to set up a podcast. He even provided separate podcast tutorial videos for Mac and PC users!

After learning about how easy it is to use podcasting as a 21st century tool, I can honestly say that I am stoked to get the opportunity use podcasting in my future EDM310 assignments. Not only for EDM310, but I look forward to using podcasts in my future classroom for various reasons!

4 comments:

  1. Caitlin,
    Your post this week was really informational and covered all the main points we need to know about podcasts. Links are working well and your ideas are very organized.

    Great job!

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  2. It sounds like you might use GarageBand to record your podcast. that would be great. Try it!

    Are you ready for a great podcast?

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  3. Caitlin, you did a great job with this post. I cannot wait to create our own podcasts. Like Dr. Strange said, GarageBand might be something new to try! Keep up the good work!

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  4. Hi Caitlin,

    I think podcasting is a fun way for students to explore their learning, and at the same time, be able to share what they have learned! I hope you will be able to use this in your classroom! Good post Caitlin!

    Stephen Akins

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