Podcasting

This week we discussed pod-casting in education. I actually knew very little about this very versatile web tool prior to reading up on it  for this week's blog posting. The term podcast is derived from a combination of iPod and broadcast. Podcasting is a unique way for educators to sort of meet students where they live. Today's students are attached to their devices (and so are many of us adults!), so why not use that technology to our advantage? I can't see a better way to reach students than straight through their iPods and phones. Similar to a flipped classroom model, when teachers utilize podcasting to broadcast online lectures, students are able to access iTunes and re-visit lessons as often as necessary at any location. Imagine the impact of today's busy learners being able to access lessons through their headphones while on the way to school or soccer practice or even--my favorite--while doing their chores!

A podcast is somewhat comparable to a blog. While a blog is a written self-publication, a podcast serves as an online broadcast; it is sort of like a personal radio station. One of the big differences that I noticed in this tool, is that it less interactive than many of the other Web 2.0 applications we have discussed. Blogs and webpages allow for commentary and embedded links for further exploration of the subject. I think if pod-casts are used as a supplement to classroom learning, it could be beneficial, but educators need to ensure that their podcast lectures are concise and engaging enough to keep students interest. I think that a more modern application of podcasting is the incorporation of video into the podcast.

I have an iphone4 and, like most people who have a smart phone, I use it for just about everything. In the past, I was an avid reader, but my current life as a busy working mom and full time student doesn't allow much time to read for enjoyment. Lately, though, I have been using Audible to listen to books on my phone as I drive to work, cook dinner or walk the dog. As I learned more about podcasting, I found myself relating the Audible format to podcasting and recalling an old wish that my college courses weren't just online, but were accessible in an audio format so that I could pop in my headphones and study auditorily while multitasking my everyday duties. I imagine that many of today's students feel the same way. And despite my initial feeling that podcasting may already be a "dated" technology, I think that in many aspects it can still be a viable resource for today's classroom. As a 21st century teacher, I might use podcasts to help students review vocabulary and spelling words or other areas that require repetition. Podcasting would be invaluable in the ESL and second language classroom as well as a wonderful resource for special needs and VI students.  I certainly do not think that podcasts or any technology can replace quality teacher interaction, but I can see how this technology like so many others can enhance student learning and accessibility.

Resources:
http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/lesson_plans/podcast/intheclassroom.html
http://www.apple.com/education/podcasting/