Podcasts: Potential Uses in Today’s Learning Environment

What is the tool?

Podcasts are audio recordings (may also include video recordings) that may be accessed via the Internet. Individuals may download a single episode or subscribe to an entire podcast. Podcasts may be serial-meaning there are weekly or biweekly updates, and individuals that elect to subscribe to a podcast may use RSS Feeds to instruct their computer to download new installments as they become available. There are three types of podcasts available:
1) Basic Podcast-contains only audio
2) Enhanced Podcast-contains both audio and slides (think PowerPoint)
3) Vodcast- contains video and audio

How can it be used?

Podcasts can be used in the classroom a number of ways. Teachers can create a podcast for a lecture that can then be shared with students who either need to review or perhaps were absent for that particular discussion. Podcasting can also be used by school districts or administration to share upcoming deadlines, special events, and general announcements with their local community, faculty, and student body. Students can utilize podcasting to assist with completion of assignments, to practice for rehearsals, or simply to review for upcoming exams. For example, students could record scientific observations and data for a science experiment, record oral readings of poetry or literature, or to share upcoming school club information (meeting dates, special events, fundraisers, etc.).
Podcasting is already being taken advantage of by many different schools across the country.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this tool?

Advantages:
-Allows teachers to share upcoming information, lecture material, and other classroom-related news with parents & students
-Enables students to share their studies with other students around the world (i.e. poetry readings, sharing original compositions for music, sharing scientific data, etc.)
- Easy to listen to & record (some may be recorded with your PC or telephone); free sites are available for recording and sharing your podcasts

Disadvantages:
- Based on research I found, there does not appear to be any major disadvantages to utilizing podcasts to support/further/enhance learning in the classroom.


Who is the audience for this tool?

This tool may be used by classroom teachers, students, parents, and other school personnel. Anyone who has access to the necessary media for listening to or recording podcasts can participate and enjoy!

Where can we learn more about this tool?

Overview of Podcasting
Podcasting in the Classroom

What is your opinion on the usefulness of this tool?

I feel podcasting is an incredibly useful classroom tool that can provide academic support, opportunities for curriculum extensions, and enable students to connect and share with other learners worldwide.