Podcasts are those compilations of audio or video files that can be played on a computer or MP3 player. What makes podcasts so interesting is the fact that just about anyone can make them, just like blogs.
Creating podcasts is a fairly simple process. Using a sound-editing program such as Audacity, users can discuss hot-button issues or random daily thoughts, share music or important news, and even attend class. From there, podcasts can be uploaded to music-sharing programs like iTunes or Zune, or to blogs and other websites. The following is a helpful video depicting how to make a podcast:
As I said above, one way to utilize a podcast feed is by using it for class. Initially, I had no clue as to how podcasting could fit into the educational realm. Upon reading Brian Flanagan and Brenden Calandra's article "Podcasting in the Classroom," along with Debra Sprague and Cynthia Pixley's "Podcasts in Education: Let Their Voices Be Heard" this thought block removed itself. On the secondary education level, podcasts can be used for recorded lectures and supplemental materials. For instance, in foreign language classes, podcasts can be used to expose students to conversations and dialogues in the language or native music.
On the elementary education level, podcasting can be very useful. Podcasts can be used in the elementary school classroom in much the same way a foreign language teacher would use them:
- Listening to children's music from many different cultures.
- Learning another language by using podcasts during morning rituals: "Today is...The weather is...Hi, how are you...?"
- Keeping students and parents up-to-date with different classroom and school events.
- Allowing students to create podcasts about the goings-on of the classroom for school-wide and community-wide communication.
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