Podcasts

Podcasts are audio recordings that can be accessed digitally and listened to at anytime.  Some podcasts are produced within a series or they can be standalone files.  Listeners can subscribe to podcasts on subjects that interest them.   As educators, we can use podcasts as part of our instruction in a digitally changing environment.  It is imperative that we use different modalities of learning and podcasts are great tools for targeting kids who learn mainly through listening.  As a librarian, I have students who struggle with reading a book.  They visually can see it and can hold the book in their hands, but they have trouble with the comprehension.  Sometimes I will give them the audiobook and they can follow along in the book listening to the story.  As a result, their comprehension level goes up along with their confidence.  Podcasts can be used in the same way.

Podcasting has several advantages.  First, it takes learning outside of the classroom.  The days are over where all learning is done within the four walls of a school.  With podcasts, student can continue to learn when they are outside the traditional school day.  Second, computers and mobile devices can access a podcast at anytime, day or night.  This is great for the busy families who sometimes do not get a chance to start on their homework til later at night.  Third, podcasts can be listened to many times.  This will help the students that need to hear instructions more than once without having to constantly go to the instructor.  Lastly, podcasting will diminish the amount of time teachers spend printing and copying information for students.  They can listen to the instructions with the click of a mouse. 

So, how can we use podcasts in our classrooms?  Here are a few ideas:

Oral Presentation Skills

Some kids find it hard to get up in front of a group of people and speak.  Podcasts are a great way for students to practice presenting orally.  They can upload the podcast for their teachers and receive feedback before having to get up in front of people. 

Collaboration with other Students

Podcasts are a great way to connect with students/school in different parts of our country or world.  Set up a "Podcast Pal" program where kids can connect with each other.

Student Centered Content

Allow students to have the option of podcasting for assignments or projects.  Students not only will have to record a podcast, but also organize, prepare and write scripts.  This will help show higher level thinking skills to instructors. 

Here is a podcast I created to celebrate one my favorite poetry books with my students.