Podcast: a digital audio file posted on the internet; usually
recorded on a computer or a portable digital audio recorder, this could
be a smart phone or an iPod.
There are many reasons why podcasts are beneficial for both instructors and students. Like a Blog or a Wiki, Podcasts allow both students and teachers to share information with not only one another, but with anyone who is interested in the topic at hand.
Podcast PROS
Podcasts are inexpensive, simple technology (p.34). No extra or special technology purchases need to be made in order to create a podcast. Most if not all adult learners have a the internet, a laptop or desktop computer, or an iPad/tablet, or a smartphone available to them. Any of these devices, as long as they are capable of recording video or audio, are ok for making a podcast.
HOW DO YOU MAKE A PODCAST?
WATCH & SEE!
A podcast does not have to be downloaded to your device, it can be streamed (p.35). You don't have to worry about saving a bunch of unnecessary files to your digital device. You can however, save a podcast and transfer it to a portable digital device for ease of access (p. 35).
When using iTunes, podcasts are automatically updated for you. When a person subscribes to a particular podcast through iTunes, every time that person opens iTunes, it automatically checks to see if a new podcast is available (p.35).
A powerful strategy for instructors that will benefit students: record the sections of a lecture that are particularly difficult to understand or that summarize the lecture etc... this way students can listen as many times as needed (p.37).
Students are able to demonstrate competencies, problem solving, collaboration, critical thinking, and discourse (p.43), while using 21st Century technology skills.
Students can share what they have learned with the world.Learners participating in online courses have yet another opportunity to
see each other, put a face with a name and learn from each other too.
There are so many topics and so much that can be learned from a podcast.
Why not listen? Why not contribute?
nationalmuseum.af.mil
twitter.com
Anything can be learned or shared through a podcast!!!
frenchlearner.comLike any type of technology, there is always a learning curve and it takes some loner to learn than others.
Some adult learners will be apprehensive about adding yet another new type of technology to their tech tool belt.
Many individuals may be apprehensive about putting themselves out there for the world to see. Podcasts can be made private, but some adult learners may still be apprehensive about digital security.
If you are currently a teacher with students of any age, have you used podcasts in your instruction?
Have you had your students create podcasts? If so, what was the podcast used for? A way to present acquired knowledge? A summative evaluation? A collaborative effort in a group setting?
How did you evaluate the podcast?
Did any of your students struggle with the technology aspect of the podcast? If so, how did they overcome those challenges?
Helpful Sites:
http://www.wikihow.com/Start-Your-Own-Podcast
http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/specs.html
http://www.podbean.com/start-podcast?sourceid=goog_003s
Reference:
King, K. P. (2011). Podcasting. In The professor's guide to taming technology. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
tinkernut. 2008, March 23. How to create a podcast.
Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hrBbczS9I0
www.teachthecivilwar.com
www.bedsciples.com- iPhone pic
socialmediaexaminer.com- PodCast pic
Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI really liked the additional resources and podcasts you provided on your blog. Great ideas! I do have some responses to your questions:
If you are currently a teacher with students of any age, have you used podcasts in your instruction? Yes, I have used podcasts in my instruction.
Have you had your students create podcasts? If so, what was the podcast used for? A way to present acquired knowledge? A summative evaluation? A collaborative effort in a group setting? I have not had students create podcasts, but this something I am looking to do in the future. I would use this teaching strategy as another method for students to demonstrate and create knowledge and a product of their learning. I could also use this as a summative evaluation. This all hinges upon what my desired learning outcome will be for that assignment.
How did you evaluate the podcast? I evaluated the podcast by making sure it aligned with the course and student learning outcomes as well aswith my instructional techniques and assessement strategies.
I did not have any students struggle with the technology and I had students in the class that ranged in age from 18 - 45.
Tom
Hi Tom-
DeleteThank you for your response! It is good to know that you have successfully used technology in larger groups of students without major issues! I hope the same happens for me!
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca. I have yet to try a podcast in my teaching. In fact, our class podcast assignment is the first that I have made. I'm learning quite a bit from the experience. It can be a little intimidating at first. Even though the technology is fairly easy to learn, new things can be challenging. It is nice that technology provides us so many different learning strategies which we may incorporate into the classroom.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn-
DeleteThank you for your response! I agree that podcasts or any new technology venture can be intimidating! I have not tried a podcast in the classroom either, but I hope to in the near future!
Rebecca
Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI really like the point that you emphasized concerning the ability for online learners to put a face with a name. I would call myself and online learning veteran at this point and I have to say that until beginning the courses here at KSU this year I have not had an opportunity to actually put names to faces. In looking back it would have been something really easy to incorporate, however the instructor never developed learning activities or even introduction platforms that would have allowed it. It certainly helps to develop the relationships that can be lacking in online classes.
I'll attempt to answer your questions sort of altogether. I have not yet had the opportunity to incorporate podcasts into any of my courses to date, however I can certainly see several opportunities to do just that. My hope is that through well-developed activities I will be able to eliminate the issues related to the learning curve in developing the podcast. I think my experience this week in developing a podcast will help me develop well written instructions for my students.
Gary
Gary-
DeleteI agree with you on utilizing my experience this week to hopefully iron out any potential wrinkles that my students may have with podcasts in the future! It was quite an experience! Thanks for your response!
Rebecca