Podcasting offers innovative opportunities to educators, especially school media specialists and teachers. Oftentimes, some critics wonder, if such technology will remain cost effective or necessary for their school programs. Mostly, administrators may point to the cost video broadcasting equipment or higher grade computing devices. In one sense, this notion is true, that such equipment does come at a pricey expense. Although, investing in such video technology could do wonders for a building-level community (school).
Fontichiaro (2007) states in her article that podcasting equipment is (and remains) very inexpensive:
"...PC users with operating systems of Windows 98 or later can buy a combination microphone/headphone set for less than $10 and download the Audacity recording software for free (see Useful Websites). Mac users will need a more expensive USB microphone with the price starting at around $40. The Audacity software is available for Mac users with OS 9 or later. They can also use the fun and full-featured Garage Band that ships with new Mac computers. Lectures can be recorded with a wireless lapel microphone that costs around $150 and allows lecturers to move about the classroom while their presentations are recorded by the computer. Audio recording accessories such as these can turn newer-model iPods into portable recording studios.
If finances, however, prevent an equipment purchase, set up a free account with gabcast.com. Call Gabcast's toll-free number and leave a voice mail. After you review what has been recorded, Gabcast turns your message into an audio file online -- an instant podcast! It will even post it to your blog."
Podcasting presents opportunities that allow students to learn lessons at their own pace and own leisure. For example, a teacher may present a new topic in class, and some students could struggle with the meaning, concept, or understanding of the material. Teachers could utilize podcasting by creating CDs or sound files with little mini activities that demonstrate the topic in a way that students can grasp a better understanding of the classroom topic.
Podcasting can also be used for collaboration between teachers, administrators, and media specialists. At times, media specilaist may find it difficulties collaborating with their fellow teachers, and discussing issues of the media center (or vice versa) or educating teachers on new technologies that may become present in the library or school. Media specialist could create podcasting archives to send to individual teachers
I agree that podcasting can be done by anyone as long as they have a microphone and a computer. Now they even have Gabcast for students that may not have access to a computer at home.
ReplyDeleteI particularly like the way students can develop their writing with podcasts. Struggling writers often have great ideas and thoughts but they freeze up when they have a pencil in their hand. They could actually work backwards talk first getting all their ideas out and then putting them down on paper.
I am not sure of using podcasting as a collaboration tool. I feel some teachers might just find that one more thing on their already full plate. Media specialists could use it as a way to share information. I am currently delivering digital citizenship staff development to all the teachers. We found it necessary to record (through my Promethean Board) one of my sessions for teachers who are not free or available to attend that day. It allows them to make up the class by listening and writing a reflection to prove their participation. I really do love the technology that is available to us!
You hinted on an interesting use for the podcast format. Could lessons be recorded for playback at the student's leisure to ensure understanding of the concept taught? I am not sure how this would work in a "live" setting but, perhaps having other students create podcasts of concepts taught might give a struggling student (or any student that just wants to hear it again) the opportunity to revisit and review the concept. A no-frill concept "lecture" might be useful as a tool for some of our parents who are struggling with supporting their children at home with "new math" or the rigor coming down with Common Core. These could be placed on a classroom blog for parent and student use.
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