Podcasts are audio and audio/video files you can listen to and see on a wide variety of topics. These files are very useful because of the ability to download and use them offline. The ability to be able to have automatic alerts is indeed a timesaver. Having information ready for teaching without having to go look is definitely a plus and saves much time. Being that both students and teachers can create podcasts helps with communication. The implementation at various levels makes it easy for lower grade teachers to use podcasts, and for upper grade teachers to extend those activities further being that students will have some familiarity with this tool. Since there are many topics on which to subscribe to, podcasts instantly become a teaching assistant that can be used to enrich and supplement lessons. I envision using podcasts to assess if students understood a topic or concept by them recording a summary in their own words. Students can present different ways of solving story problems by explaining their train of thought while they are solving the problem. In Reading, students can give summaries and book reviews either to a class or the teacher. Reading and recording their voice is a very good strategy for students to practice fluency and hear themselves in order to improve rate, pace, and pronunciation. Students creating their own choice of presentation medium can have a very positive effect on their engagement and motivation. This technology tool is a perfect example of lessons and learning being "real". When students can participate in this type of learning environment, positive results will surely follow.
Podcast Reflection
Podcasts are audio and audio/video files you can listen to and see on a wide variety of topics. These files are very useful because of the ability to download and use them offline. The ability to be able to have automatic alerts is indeed a timesaver. Having information ready for teaching without having to go look is definitely a plus and saves much time. Being that both students and teachers can create podcasts helps with communication. The implementation at various levels makes it easy for lower grade teachers to use podcasts, and for upper grade teachers to extend those activities further being that students will have some familiarity with this tool. Since there are many topics on which to subscribe to, podcasts instantly become a teaching assistant that can be used to enrich and supplement lessons. I envision using podcasts to assess if students understood a topic or concept by them recording a summary in their own words. Students can present different ways of solving story problems by explaining their train of thought while they are solving the problem. In Reading, students can give summaries and book reviews either to a class or the teacher. Reading and recording their voice is a very good strategy for students to practice fluency and hear themselves in order to improve rate, pace, and pronunciation. Students creating their own choice of presentation medium can have a very positive effect on their engagement and motivation. This technology tool is a perfect example of lessons and learning being "real". When students can participate in this type of learning environment, positive results will surely follow.