Blog Post #4

Why Podcasts? How do we do a Podcast?

   

        I have heard people mention podcasts before, but I really did not know what they were until now. In my EDM310 class we will be using podcasts in several assignments.What is a podcast you ask? A podcast is an audio or video program made available in digital format for automatic download over the internet. Podcasts can be downloaded for purchase or for free. Podcasts are a easy way to record information and share it with  many people from all over the world.

The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom

“Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom”, by Joe Dale was very entertaining and informative. The clip included several great examples of student and teacher podcasts and the benefits of incorporating them in the classroom. Podcasts are an effective method for communicating and interacting with students outside of the classroom. The podcasts especially come in handy when a student is absent. A teacher can upload a podcasts with

the lesson plan that was learned the day the student was absent. Podcasts are also a great way to allow the parents to feel involved and know what their child is learning in school. The students in the clip seemed to really enjoy working with the podcasts and creating them. The students also get a chance to use their creativity and innovation skill when they create their podcasts. The podcasts seem like a great tool to use in the classroom. There are so many fun projects that could be done by using podcasts.As a teacher I would definitely incorporate the use of podcasts in my class.

The Listening-Comprehension-Podcasting

The “Listening-Comprehension-Podcasting” was really interesting. It showed how a class learned the Hebrew language with the help of podcasts. The students made a podcast of the story of Purim.

The student’s Jewish Studies teacher worked with them to write their own parts in Hebrew to create a collective podcast of the story. The children loved listening to the voices in the podcast. The students learned a lesson on writing a script, listening, collaboration, comprehension, and speaking skills. The students had so much fun putting together the podcast that they did not even realize that they were learning something. I would absolutely use a podcast in my lesson plans. I would do podcast projects for reading and for learning a new language. By using podcasts the students are learning about technology, the lesson, and having fun!

The Judy Scharf Podcast Collection

The “Judy Scharf Podcast Collection” post had a lot of informative information on the topic of podcasts. Judy explained that the term “podcast” is a cross between “broadcast” and “iPod.” She also went on to explain that a podcast is a “radio-style” talk show. The podcasts sometimes include music as well. I learned through this post that a podcast can be listened to on a computer or MP3 player, and that it may be downloaded from iTunes or a podcasting hosting service. Podcasting is a great tool to use. It enable information to be shared with millions of people through the internet. Judy also explained how easy it was to create. All you need is a microphone, a computer, and the free downloadable software. This post has helped me prepare for my upcoming podcast assignments in EDM310, and I cannot wait!