Podcasting

It took me quite a while to get through all the podcast info from our readings and as usual finding relevant info on the internet wasn't easy. I really feel like I am on side with the connectivist learning theory at the moment. The internet opens up a can of worms and knowing where to find the information and which information is relevant and accurate is so important. A) because it drastically cuts down the amount of time spent on finding what you need and B) because it distinguishes the good from the bad.
After spending most of a day looking around, I found quite a bit of info that really got me excited about podcasts. I particularly loved the idea of doing interviews with students and also the opportunities for students themselves to take charge and create their own interviews and projects.

Here are some links to podcasts different types of podcasts done with students:

1. This podcast was adapted from a phone interview - great idea!
http://hw.libsyn.com/p/3/5/c/35ce0f7806bf019d/PA_Ep_21_June_2009.mp3?sid=52ca46d40039898e52e266da7cb193bb&l_sid=21149&l_eid=&l_mid=1970782

2. This one is a vodcast that is about a character named 'bloby' that a student created. Great for encouraging creativity and lots of fun!
http://richmondroad.podomatic.com/player/web/2008-09-22T19_40_50-07_00


3. This podcast is also a 'vodcast' and is quite advanced - it will be a while until I can create something like this with my students! Great way of communicating information in an authentic way by using images, narration and videos of students in the class.
http://podfreaks.com/view/nasaeclipsourworld


Here is a quick PMI (Plusses, Minuses, Interesting) followed by a podcast that I made with my son. He is reciting some songs that were taught to him by his teacher to help them learn the alphabet.

P -
* Free to use and easy to set up
* Students can create their own podcasts
* Can create vodcasts so learning can be multi-modal
* Can subscribe to podcasts and be updated when new episodes are available
* Can be accessed and listened to repeatedly which means students can go at their own pace and teachers can focus on other things rather than repeating info
* Only need computer (with mic which most have now) and the internet
* Students can share learning experiences with others around the world which makes podcasting authentic and meaningful
* Great alternative to reading text which is still the dominant medium on the internet
* Can be downloaded onto ipods or MP3 players so listeners can access podcasts anywhere, anytime
* Great for content that is purely aural - interviews, music, opinions, etc
* Music can be used to backup what is being said and often conjures up emotions like happiness, sadness to aid deeper thinking and comprehension.

M -
* No comments or editing can be made so does not allow interaction after the podcast has been made
* Dial-up or slow internet users may have difficulty downloading podcasts
* To make a quality podcast it may require extra equipment, editing software, quiet room, good voice for audio, etc
* Great for content that is purely aural - interviews, music, opinions, etc
* Only good for short topics
* Requires a clear, concise audio voice (accents, mumbling etc may make learning difficult if other students can not understand what is being said)
* Podcast series are not set in stone and can be removed or no longer added to if the makers choose to
* Difficulties in finding up to date and relevant podcasts

I -
* Students can listen to explanations repeatedly without asking the same questions and fear of forgetting important information
* I read that at one school they put up a podcast of a phone interview with a celebrity. I thought this was a fantastic way of interviewing celebrities or people the class is studying, etc as it requires much less effort than having them attend a class, etc
* The extensions of podcasting like vodcasting - podcasts with video!
* When podcasting includes video I thought it seemed very similar to You Tube. The pros with You Tube are that searching is easier but with vodcasting being able to subscribe means that it is more like a program with updates rather than one random entry

Ways that podcast could be used in the classroom:
- Interviews
- Students could talk about the latest school events
- Students could discuss issues related to the KLA's (critique art, talk about current events, discuss themes of a book, talk about what healthy living means to them, etc).
- Teachers could use podcasts to discuss assignments, class issues.
- Students could read stories they have written - this allows them to improve their reading by listening to their fluency
- A way of allowing parents insight into classroom activities
- As a reflection tool, evaluating activites, lessons and ICT's used in the classroom
- They could talk about their lives and culture and then exchange podcasts with children in different parts of the world


References:
- http://www.brighthub.com/internet/web-development/articles/34767.aspx
- http://www.educause.edu/blog/dianao/PodcastingintheClassroomEDUCAU/165531
- http://www.brighthub.com/multimedia/audio/articles/78924.aspx
- http://mwtl.blogspot.com/2010/08/pros-and-cons-of-podcasting.html