Digital Tool 3 Podcasting

Digital Tool 3 Podcasting

A podcast is a digital audio or video file that follows a series or theme in short episodes. ‘Pod’ stands for Playable on Demand. The term is modified and marketed by the Apple Computer Company for its products including iPod and iPod Touch. Podcasts are generally downloaded in a ‘subscription’ type format, and the one I am most familiar with is through iTunes, because I have an iPod. Although podcasts generally are an audio file, marketers have used the video and therefore visual aspect to tap into a market of listeners and viewers. A search of podcasts has revealed a library of enormous diversity of information. Because of the diversity of information, and its apparent ease to upload individual podcasts, it is an ideal tool for educational purposes. On most podcast sites there is a specific category in search facility for 'education'. There is also specific websites dedicated to education podcasts. According to Huann and Thong in their article "Audioblogging and Podcasting in Education" (http://edublog.net/astinus/mt/files/docs/Literature%20Review%20on%20audioblogging%20and%20podcasting.pdf ) audioblogging and podcasting is an extension of Vygotsky's constructivist theory on 'social interactions', they state "Social construction of knowledge and meaning making can take place when students interact with the artifacts placed in this social plane." (p5)

In an educational setting of a classroom, podcasts can be used both by teachers (as research tools, a hook, to develop literacy, as an assessment outcome, as a a form of recording an inquiry investigation, tutorials, feedback) and students (research tools, reviewing information/tutorials anywhere anytime, forums) to enhance the development of student/teacher interaction in scaffolding learning experiences for the students. Again, like other forms of ICT discussed in this blog, the time factor of setting up or researching podcasts for use in the classroom would be a factor in the teachers response to 'embracing' this digital tool, however once done, this is something that can be re-used or shared across the year level.

PLUS

1. Access to information from around the globe.
2. Unlimited access once a podcast has uploaded. Can be replayed or reviewed.
3. Availability 24 hours a day.
4. Easily accessible.
5. Can also have visual as well as audio content.
6. Only limited to imagination as to what information is recorded for what purpose and audience. Can be one podcast for one audience member, or one podcast for use as a lesson hook across a state wide curriculum, and then reviewed across the world. (eg Mrs Abernathy's class podcast on iTunes)
7. Can be used across educational spectrum and skills can be adapted for 'lifelong learning' into worklife for business purposes.
8. Can be used as an 'assessment' tool for educational purposes.

MINUS

1. Difficulties in setting up an original account. (Time factor; software etc)
2. Requires a form of portable media player (mp3; iPod) to access the information.
3. Limited to specific language (unless translated).
4. Time factor in setting up podcast account, then updating.
5. Time factor in searching for specific suitable content.

IMPROVE INTERESTING IMPLEMENT

In my Learning Management assignments, I have used 'podcasts' as an area of information for students to 'research' new information and 'review' different opinions and points of view,and also as a form of 'assessment' as an outcome for an inquiry. For younger students, I would use podcasts as a form of information review by downloading stories that can be listened to repeatedly at their own pace. This would work parrallel with books that are currently being used in the classroom, for example on a cross-curricular theme. For middle years students, I would use podcasts as a research tool for information across a Unit plan, and also as an assessment tool where the students develop their knowledge in a unit then make their own 'podcast' to demonstrate their knowledge. For older students, high school and university, I would use podcasts, not only as outlined above but also as a form of tutorial tool which can be repeatedly accessed but also as a form of review and feedback on lessons and learning.

As stated earlier, Podcasts are only limited to the publisher imagination and their intent as an 'educational tool'.

WHAT I THINK

As I am writing this, I am also trying to upload a podcast. It has taken hours and I still can not figure out what I am doing wrong, and what other options I have. This is very frustrating!!! My idea for my podcast is to record a series of Mem Fox books for younger students to listen to, then use their imagination to draw the images that they see in their head (apply social knowledge). Then use one of the books to do a re-tell and use the story line to put their knowledge into the book. For example "Shoes from Grandpa" would be an interesting twist if the student had a different cultural background as the clothing in the book would be different, or "Possum Magic" may be adapted using one of their pets.

I think that podcasts are definately a way of the future for learning, particularly as it is a form of building social knowledge which is consistent with the current 'effective teaching' strategies. Like all 'tools' it takes time to build the skills and research the information before it becomes an integrated tool in the classroom and one which is used across the curriculum and the year level. But sometimes it only takes one teacher to get the ball rolling, or in this case podcasting.....