The use of podcasting in schools has risen tremendously. It appears that technology is taking over the school system. I really did not know much about podcasting until I took this course, research the topic, and read Chapter 4 on Podcasting. This form of technology is very popular and user friendly to students. On the contrary, it keeps them focused and engaged in their studies. Now, I think this is awesome to have students to really enjoy what they are learning through podcasts. At my school where I volunteer, the teachers are assigning students to do podcast movies and videos. I don't know much about creating these type of podcasts. I would definitely need some kind of training on how to create them.
If a teacher approaches me asking for help to start up a podcast for his class I would first of all research the topic and then ask the technology specialist for assistance. Once I have gotten all of my resources I would suggest the following from Library 2.0: (1). An audio file must be uploaded to the web. (2). An RSS 2.0 feed is associated with the file and must be uploaded to the web. (3). The feed must be read by the podcatcher application and then downloads the audio file. I would also suggest that he does a 3 minute podcast presentation having each student to introduce themselves using their favorite pictures. Hopefully, this would help the teacher get started with his podcast effectively.
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4 comments:
Lahama,
You are correct in saying that technology is really taking off now. It is amazing to me all of the new technology that is coming out. We are really going to have a full time job keeping up with all of the new technology as media specialists. You are also correct in saying that podcasting does keep students engaged in learning. What level is the school where you observe?
I really like your idea of having the students introduce themselves on a podcast first to introduce them to podcasting. This is a wonderful way to build their confidence before having them complete an assignment, so that they can understand how it works. It would also give you and the teacher an idea of how the students would do with podcasting. I am excited like you are about all the things you can do with podcasting.
Lahama,
I agree with you that technology is taken off is the school systems. I also agree that it is keep students engaged is their studied. I also believe that it a better alternative than just all pencil and paper tests. I know that I have learned more in graduate school because we have to actually put what we learned into presentations. I find that I also remember what I learned better than when I had to take paper test. At the elementary level very few teachers have students to use pod cast or any technology to create presentation. They are so time pressured as it is, and many of them would also have to learn how to use the new technology in order to teach it to students.
Hey Lahama,
I may sound like a nagging parent here but if the school you are volunteering at is using technology that much, I think you should politely elbow your way in to get the experience from the people who know how to do it. I am not sure how old you are (without looking at your profile) but I have learned the hard way(in my older age) that it doesn't hurt to ask if you can be a part. They can always say 'no'. Why wait until it is thrust upon you? Even if you don't walk away thinking you can do it like a pro, the little tidbits of knowledge you gain can only help you. (I am also assuming you have a lot of time to volunteer and take this opportunity-it may be that your volunteer time is like mine and only the 10 hours required for the course-so it may not be as simple as I am implying here).
I wish I could say that I saw technology soaring at my elementary school, but I can't. Sure we take our students to the computer lab but it's mostly to take AR tests or go online to practice math facts or reading skills. Even our news broadcast is boring and technology-less.
Podcasting is very new to me and I am thankful for this class because I am learning a lot! And as I learn I am anxious to teach what I am learning. I am comfortable with teaching while I am learning. Many of my students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, so I like to give them as many opportunities to learn new stuff as possible.
We have two new computer labs and a new technology/gifted teacher so hopefully there will be a surge...soon.
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