podcasting: integration ideas for the classroom

Podcasting

Integration Ideas for the Classroom

First, An Overview

What is Podcasting?

• Podcasting is a way of delivering multimedia files, such as audio or video over the Internet for playback on mobile device, such as an MP3 player or a computer.

• Simply put, it is similar to a radio show that you can download and listen to any time.

• Podcasts can be be audio or video (vodcasts) or both.

How Does It Work?

• The audio (or video) file is posted on a web site, where it can be downloaded to a computer or MP3 player using a podcast client software such as iTunes

• A podcast will have a web address for an RSS (Real Simple Syndication) feed.

• iTunes (or another client) will check the RSS feed of the podcasts you subscribe to and automatically download any new ones.

What are the Advantages?

• Podcasts are simple and easy to use.

• There are hundreds of podcasts on hundreds of different topics.

• You can listen on your computer or on the go with an MP3 player, like an iPod.

• You can listen as many times as you want.

• Most are free.

What are the Disadvantages?

• You will need a high speed Internet connection.

• Anyone can produce a podcast. Just like the Internet, you should be aware of who is creating the podcast and how credible the information is or not.

• Some video podcasts can be hard to see if they have a lot of detail.

Ways to Use Podcasts

• Record Class Lectures

• District News

• Homework Hotline

• Share Information with Parents

• Teacher Professional Development

• Student Created Podcasts

Integration Examples

Elementary

• Radio WillowWeb (K-5 Student Produced)

• Jamestown Elementary (Poetry & Writing)

Middle

• Longfellow Middle School (Coulee Kids)

• Mabry Middle School (Student Projects)

Integration Examples

High School

• Hopkinton High School (Booktalks)

• Lincoln Southwest HS (Academic & More)

District

• Penn Manor (District/Building News)

• Memphis City Schools (Curriculum & Instruction info for Teachers)

Student Academic Benefits • Improving Organizational Skills

• Writing, Reading and Speaking Skills

• Increasing Peer Collaboration

• Vocabulary Development

• Improved Leadership Skills

• Tone/Voice/Expression/Character

• Supports Differentiation

• Researchers & Creators of Knowledge

Podcast Directories

• Education Podcast Network

• KidCast

• Podcast.net Directory

• Podcast Directory for Educators

• iTunes

Planning Resources

• Coulee Kids Podcast Story Board & Rubric

• Learning in Hand Planning Booklet

Sound Resources

• Royalty Free Music

• Freesound

• PodSafe Audio