Podcast: Students and Podcasting

Script: This podcast is a review of the article: Listening to Themselves: Podcasting Takes Lessons Beyond the Classroom By Maya Payne Smart (http://www.edutopia.org/podcasting-student-broadcasts) A podcast is a recorded audio file that is uploaded to the internet and available for public use. All you need is a computer, microphone, audio-mixing software (free options available such as Audacity and GarageBand) and a computer. More and more educators are employing podcasts as learning tools in, and outside, of their classroom. They post the student’s work on class websites. Having their work on the web for others to find and listen to is a motivating factor in the students’ effort. The teacher highlighted in the story has views on his website from every state as well as 87 countries around the world. He lets his students know that other people besides their teacher will have access to their work. Suggestions of available sources to help manage online and downloadable student work and educational material are Education Podcast Network and iTunes U K-12. Everyone, but especially youth, are getting more and more access to the digital world. There was a 23 percent increase of young adults’ (12-17) ownership of an MP3 device from 2006 to 2008. I can only imagine the statistical increase now, in 2012. These devices, like iPods and Zunes, allow students to listen to instructional materials anywhere, including home as well as during times of travel. Brent Coley has 2-3 students work in groups to create scripts. They review what they have recently learned and then Mr. Coley checks them over. Recordings are made with a Griffin iTalk Pro voice recorder. Included are an introduction and music. This type of learning is very “real-time” and real-world. Students are applying their knowledge to create a product for actual consumption, instead of a project that will either end up in the recycling bin or a folder tucked away in a closet. This authentic experience of practical application of learning is so important to a student’s sense of purpose and opinion of learning and school. Podcasting employs and develops in students the tools and skills of inquiry, analysis, and oral presentation among others. One educator, David Warlick, notes that, “…the exchange of ideas –not technology- is the point, and production- not memorization- is the proof of knowledge.” In other words, it’s about effective communication. More information about integrating technology in the classroom can be found at his blog: http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/.