In techie terms, podcasting is the “syndication of audio files using RSS.” In lay terms, podcasting involves sharing audio and video files. Despite the name, an iPod is not required to listen to a podcast - the audio and video files can be accessed by computer and/or media players.
On the Classroom 2.0 site, the discussions revolve around the growing use of podcasts in education. The most common theme involves students creating their own podcasts of skits, dramatizations, or “radio broadcasts.” The second most common use of podcasts is by teachers who record and post their class sessions or lectures. Finally, some teachers are using podcasts within the professional community to share ideas and educational news.
Among the podcasting discussions, the most common complaint or concern involves compatibility issues with district software. Many of the teachers have security or software restrictions on their school computers and as a result they are not able to work back and forth between their professional and personal computers. Worse yet, many schools do not have the funding, resources, or awareness, to secure the more advanced technology available on the market to maximize the potential of podcasting.
Personally, as a future special educator, podcasting represents an opportunity to make education more accessible to a wide range of students. For example, I recently completed a research project on teaching students with health impairments. These students miss class frequently due to illness or medical appointments and would benefit from being able to access class lecture podcasts from anywhere, at any time. Additionally, students with learning disabilities would benefit from being able to replay and review class material through podcasts. I am eager to use podcasts in my own classroom!
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5 comments:
Hey Jackie, So I was reading you journal and I though it was interesting how many ways have been found to use podcasting in the classroom. It seems that with my technology, Virtual Worlds they are doing the same thing, posting lectures. It was actually quite a controversial topic because that though it lost some of the values that come with a traditional classroom. You should check it out!
Awesome Jackie,
You make a strong case for podcasting with your good ideas for implementation. Both would seem to benefit any student, and especially a student with special needs. I myself have issues with retention of instruction and would utilize the feature of being able to view and review presented material.
I think podcasting is a great tool to be used in the classroom. You gave us good ideas in how to apply this tool in a classroom setting. I'm not much familiar with this kind of technology, but you make a valuable example!
I think podcasting is awesome! I agree with your in that podcasting can be used by students who miss school due to illness or other reasons can benefit from being able to have access to class lectures. Although some aspects of podcasting sound frustrating, I see more positives than negatives.
Podcasting is for sure a great tool for a traditional classroom setting. I look at it as a great tool for every student especially with special needs.
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