Podcasting:Reaching the Digital Learners

One of my roles as a media specialist is to stay abreast of all the new technologies. If a teacher ask me to help him with a podcast and I knew nothing about podcasting then of course I would be honest. Next, I would express my desire to learn about how to create a podcast. I would explain to him that I would research podcasting and let him know my findings by the end of the day if possible. My number one goal as a media specialist is to collaborate with teachers on making the classroom a successful and exciting place for students. In addition, these digital learners prefer a multimedia approach to education.

My first step would be to find resources on how to conduct a podcast. Next, I would locate the equipment needed and download software to deliver a quality podcast. Then, I would complete a trial run of my own podcast so I could model for this teacher the steps in creating a podcast for his class.

After this teacher’s class was successful in creating podcasts, I would conduct an in-service training for teachers using this class as an example. I would suggest ways they could use student created podcasting in their own classroom.

· In the media center, I would conduct book talks and post on my website.

· In the history classes, students could create podcasts to interpret documents such as the Declaration of Independence. Students could do virtual tours of countries using a podcast.

· In language arts, students could create podcasts of poetry or plays. A podcast could be used as an assessment at the end of a unit.

· In math, students could create podcasts to explaining methods to solve math problems.

· For our special education teachers, I see this as great way to reach those auditory and visual learners. In addition to motivating these learners, podcasts gives students a way to deliver their thoughts in a non-text mode.

This list is endless for the possibilities of incorporating podcasts into a teacher’s lesson plan to reach those digital learners. Not to mention, the endless numbers of podcasts that are available on the internet just by using searches such as Podzinger or Yahoo Podcasts. Kathy Schrock has an evaluation guide for podcasts listed on her website at http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/evalpodcast.html. In the in-service training, I would include a copy of the School Library Monthly website on Podcasting 101 for those who are unsure about using this resource.

Podcasting in Schools

Since my school is not on the forefront of the technology world, I would be honest with the teacher and let him know that I was excited about this opportunity to learn more and help him teach his students about podcasting. I am one of those learners who needs the actual task in front of me to force me to expand my knowledge and I would start with what I know about podcasting and build on that base. I know there are ample opportunities to access free online educational podcasts, and there are even more ways this tool could be used in our school to teach students not only about podcasts, but to build confidence and enthusiasm for learning.

Interviews with outside professionals could be brought into the classroom, students could record class projects to share, or they could hear music lessons for practicing at home. Our teachers each have blogs where they post homework and current assignments. How much more effective would these be if students, especially those who were absent, could listen to the instruction as well as read it? Like Dr. Bennett did for us when class was canceled!!! Foreign language teachers could use podcasts posted to their blogs for pronunciation drills and those with special needs could repeat lessons and proceed at their own pace. The media specialist could use podcasts for in-service projects so teachers could listen on their own time. They could promote a Book Fair with a walk through tour or new books could be promoted through Book Talks which will help advertise the Media Center. The list goes on for the many ways podcasts can benefit education and the more we can engage students the more their learning will be lifelong. Students who are involved in morning announcements at school are getting a piece of this learning, but this only affects a select few. Getting more students involved takes time and effort, but when you see and hear the results, it's time well spent.

Authors

Ladies -- I think you will find that you an author at this site. Feel free to change as you see fit.

Team Members

Hope all are safe from the flooding. Let's get our Blog going.