Podcasting

Basics
Podcasting is a way of broadcasting information somewhat like radio. A podcaster or author can make their content available for downloading or streaming to anyone who wants to hear it. Unlike radio, the listener can listen to it anytime or anywhere they want to by downloading the podcast to their personal computer or MP3 players. The broadcast can be paused, replayed, and saved for future use.

Podcasting first starting in its popularity by individuals making their own radio shows. Podcasting has taken off to incorporate video, imaging, and text PDF. There seems to be no limit to its potential. It is so convenient to listen or watch anywhere you are. Whether it is watching a personal training video while you workout, listening to your favorite radio show when ever you want, or listening to your favorite book on the road.

Teacher-oriented uses
There are many free podcasts available to educators to help them develop professionally. This is a more practical alternative for teachers who normally attend a full day workshop. With podcasts, they could choose an area they are interested in and cater the information to their individual needs. Instead of getting a substitute for their class, they could listen to the podcast when it is convenient to them (in the car, at the gym, etc.).

Teachers could also create their own podcasts for a variety of reasons. They could keep parents and students up-to-date on classroom activities. Teachers could create a podcast with classroom information such as daily homework asssignments which the parents could then download. Teachers could also use podcasts to keep absent students from falling behind. They could record a podcast of a lesson and the students could download it from home. This could also be helpful for students who need to review a lesson.

Student-oriented uses
Students could listen to podcasts to increase their understanding of a subject. Many books are available through podcasts (some even have pictures) for students to listen to. Students could have a copy of the book in front of them and listen to the podcast at the same time. This would be very helpful for struggling readers or students who are unmotivated to read. It can also be used with students who are visually impaired.

Podcasts are easy enough for students to create them on their own. Student can create and publish information through a podcast and share it with students and teachers. For example, students could create their own podcasts about the gold rush. Students could also interview people in their community and share their interview with others using podcasts.

Resources to learn more
Here is an website, [|Wikipedia on Podcast] that includes some background information on podcasts. This [|site] shows you "everything you need to know to get started" with podcasting. It includes everything and anything you could ever want to know about podcasting. From how podcasting works, to creating podcasts, how to promote your podcast, podcast graphics and even podcasting for faith. If you are interested in creating your own podcast, here are [|10 tips] for podcasting.

Are you an iTunes user? Here's a [|website] with FAQ's on downloading podcasts on iTunes. On iTunes, you can browse, find, preview and subscribe to over 3,000 podcasts on the iTunes podcast directory, free of charge! This [|website] also provides you with tips on creating a podcast and troubleshooting as well. Here is an Apple [|website], iPod 101, that has an interactive tutorial to show you how to download podcasts onto your iPod.

You can download podcasts on just about any topic you can think of! You can search for thousands of podcasts on this [|site].

Resources/examples of this technology in education
Apple has a video series on [|Podcasting in Education] that includes three seminars online that you can watch and learn about how to use podcasting in our classrooms. This series includes an introducation into podcasting, meeting standards with podcasting and an adminstrator's view on podcasting. It also covers what tools are available for podcasting, how to incorporate podcasting and learning, how podcasting has facilitated school-to-community communication, and how podcasting can make a difference in the vocabulary, writing, and leadership skills of students. This Apple [|website] gives a brief overview of how podcasts can be used in education.

The [|Education Podcast Network] has a search engine for podcasts with content that teachers can use to teach. This site is a podcast directory from the UK that has educational podcasting for teaching and learning and has actual podcasts from [|classes] around the world. The website, [|Intellgenic], talks about interactive podcasts in education. This [|website] has podcasting resources for educators and students.

Research on this technology in education
In “There’s Something in the Air: Podcasting in Education,” Campbell examines the effects of podcasting in middle school. Prior to the beginning of their academic day, students are tuning into audio feeds from their classes. During these feeds, lectures are reinforced through conversations, reminders are given and overall, the student’s way of thinking is being brought to a new and higher level. While concepts are being re-taught, students are having the opportunity of making meaning of what is being said. According to Campbell, “Hearing a classmate read it aloud with emphasis, feeling, and comprehension makes a huge difference” (33). Students are getting hooked on daily podcastings and sharing it with others. It easy to hook up and listen to. The most difficult part of podcasting is the actual producing of it. Here are some pros and the cons of using podcasting in education: Pros: Any teacher/subject can be broadcasted Educators are incorporating vocabulary, reading and writing Podcasting skills are being transferred to adulthood Cons: Not all teachers are savvy to podcasting; thus the learning for podcasting is time consuming Equipment is expensive for school

from: Campbell, Gardner. (2005) //There’s Something in the Air; Podcasting in Education//. Educause Review, 32-40.

Related articles: Podcasting Craze Comes to K-12 Schools- [|www.nsboro.k12.ma.us/ipod.htm] [|Using Podcasts as Audio Learning Objects] [|PodcastingLectures] [|ADAPTING YOUR TEACHING TO ACCOMMODATE THE NETGENERATION OF LEARNERS]

Here is an [|article] on some school applications and resources for podcasting in education.