Podcasts are digital audio files that are available to
downloaded to a computer or mobile device. I began listening to podcasts when I had to
create my own for an assignment last year. I have a podcast app on my phone and
I listen to TED Radio Hour and Geek Fit. I explored three podcasts: Sound
Cloud, Audioboom and Podomatic. With Audioboom and Sound Cloud, you have the option
to upload an audio file or you can record directly from the site. I only saw
the option to upload your audio file to Podomatic. You would just have to record your file and then upload that file to Podomatic.
I liked Sound Cloud the best. I signed up quickly using my
google sign in and recorded directly from the site. Time is always a factor in
the classroom and students would be able to create their podcast in a timely
manner. Podcasts would be an excellent tool to use in the classroom/library to
help motivate and engage students in their learning. Podcasts can be used to
share new and upcoming books and offer technology tips. Students can use
podcasts in the classroom/library to conduct interviews and create oral
reports. Teachers can record lessons as a reference for future use. I found a
blog on We Are Teachers and it has possible podcasting projects that can be
done in the classroom, for example, creating a current events news cast and
recording a podcast to send to another classroom in another state or country.
I thought it would be a good idea to share with students how
you can share important facts about a topic that they have learned using one of
the online databases.
Hi Stacy,
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great way for kids to use podcasts. A state project would be so much fun this way. Instead of intimidating, stand in front of the class with a poster board presentations, kids could each make a podcast and then listen to each others' podcast and take notes. It would kind of be like "Travel Across America" in two days! I imagine if they researched an animal they could play a clip of a sound it might make. That could certainly be entertaining. I think a podcast is an awesome way to get kids working on their speaking and listening skills, without forcing them into public speaking every time.
Using podcasts like this is really a great idea. So many of my students would rather take a failing grade on a project requiring presentation, and this would give those students an opportunity to present in a different manner.
ReplyDeleteThe We Are Teachers project you mentioned could really get students engaged, plus it would be so much fun to receive podcasts from other places in return. It would be like an audio version of a pen pal!
Your state project idea is so cool!! And the possibilities for expanding it are endless. Really great work. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree Soundcloud was so easy to use. I had trouble with Podomatic. I believe a podcasts are great tools for students to use for projects, review sessions or simply for fun reading lessons.
ReplyDeleteNice ideas! These are really great! And who knew New York has a state insect...
ReplyDelete