Topic #1/Podcasting BLOGPOST/TRICE

I have been humbled. I was so very proud of creating my wiki for my AP Human Geography class. I downloaded documents and was thrilled when I posted podcasts of me doing oral quizzes and introductory lectures on topics. It was me talking…just me – no music, bells, fancy links or acting out information to make it more interesting. I thought I was someone on the cutting edge by using Audacity to record and post. I viewed several of the links referencing great ways to use podcasts and her example. I had no idea people were using these so much for both instruction and review as well as a resource used by Media Specialists. If you are not familiar with a podcast, it is the modern day cassette recorder we used all us in elementary school but now it is down through the computer and can be uploaded to websites for public/private use. The term comes from broadcasting and iPod and is just as easy to use as the old recorders. However, now it is easy to layer sounds where you can add music or background sound and sounds much more professional. I was encouraged by reading “Podcasting 101” by an article by Kristin Fontichiaro, who stated that when you begin, start off slow and as confidence increases use podcasting for different uses such as class CDs, audio tours, interviews, newcasts, foreign language practice. It is okay to start off smart like I did – though I was still humbled, but encouraged. Equipment is inexpensive and minimal, often just downloading free software to use. Headset and microphone are suggested but not necessarily required. Many laptops have internal speakers in which speaking towards the laptop will be ample. Some programs such as Gcast (which is a free site to host your podcasts) actually allow you to record by phone by simply calling in your podcast to a phone number.
A couple of the ideas that were shown/heard included using podcasting as a tool for students to create projects. The one called Radio Willow linked in Willow Elementary Schools used it to showcase projects and information created at Willow “by the students and for the students.” I listened to #31 which explained the US Presidency. Not only did I think it was great to teach about the information but also taught (and made students practice) pronunciation and oral communication skills. I think the students were proud of their work and proud to be broadcasted publicly. I also listen to a podcast through the Media Center at Beverly Elementary that promoted there services such as books, computers, staff, podcasting and broadcasting clubs for 4th and 5th graders and borrowing iPods to check out for storytelling. The last one I listened to was a site that posts daily “booktalks” to get students excited about a new book or author. Not only could this be a tool for students but also for teachers looking for books to read or Media Specialists in the ordering process. I was really excited about all of the podcasts that I listened to – it got me excited about learning how to change my boring lectures into something much better as well as teaching teachers how to use this as a tool in and out of the classroom. I think there are so many options to how a podcast can be used from practicing words and pronunciations, oral communication, to relaying information to practice quizzes, reteaching/reinforcement activities to public relations for both student , teacher, Media Specialist and overall school use…the list could go on! According to an article by Kristin Fontichiaro a “well designed podcasting [project] helps students develop oral fluency, write with an audience in mind, develop a ‘writer’s voice,’ and increase confidence.”
If you have not already reviewed the resources that were posted by Dr. Bennett in CourseDen called “Podcasting Resources,” you need to review and save a copy of this! It is a great tool. It is a compiled list of helpful resources such as articles and blogs about podcasting, some links to examples of educational podcasts, money available to assist in using podcasts through grants, companies that host school podcasts and software, resources for students with disabilities and the use of podcasts and information resources regarding wikis, tutorials and websites. The list in extensive but extremely thorough. It will not only get you started on podcasting – it will take you from start to finish!