Integrating Podcasts into the Classroom

Using Podcasts in the Classroom or Library: 

Using podcasts in the classroom or library is extremely beneficial for teachers who desire to make learning more exciting by integrating the use of audio technology. Teachers can basically make use of podcast websites in any lesson plan that involves student creating original products. It is a great way to keep students engaged in their assignment and take ownership of their work.

The following are ideas for effective use of podcasts in student learning activities:

• Students write then record their own essays. 
• Students develop a thesis and supporting reasons then record a debate on a particular issue.
• Students record book analysis and evaluations.
• Students create Readers Theater scripts of different literary genres and record them.
• Students can record their voting of the best Reader Theater performance.
• Students create Public Service Announcements and record them.
• Students can campaign for student council by recording their speeches. 

Podcasts are a way to get students producing work that is more than just a paper and pencil product or even a face to face presentation. I know many times we have students who are very creative, but are shy as well and that keeps them from speaking up during a class presentation or discussion. Podcasts are a way to get all kids involved in editing their work and not worrying about the public aspect of the process. When I worked with a fourth grade student on creating her own podcasts, she was hesitant at first, but as soon as I told her she wouldn't be seen only heard, she became more comfortable.

The beauty of podcasts is that listeners can focus more on the content of the audio and become less distracted with the speaker. This can serve both teachers and students in becoming better listeners. In creating the podcasts, it causes students to think and rethink about what they want their final product to sound like. They are using metacognitive skills to evaluate and organize their work. Students' final product also serves as a way for teachers to evaluate their knowledge of a particular topic when students are able to retell or explain the concept that they've learned about. If grouped to complete a project students will learn the value of collaboration through out the process.

Overall, the use of podcasts in education is a step further for integrating technology in student learning. It's our job as educators to find the communication highway that students are on to differentiate instruction as much as needed to accommodate to the various types of learning styles. I believe that any move toward technology use is the right road to take.

Some more lesson plans that involve teachers using podcasts in the classroom can be found in the following web address:
http://www.readwritethink.org/professional-development/strategy-guides/teaching-with-podcasts-30109.html


My Podcast Experience: 

This was my second experience creating a podcast. I used Audioboo and it was very simple to use. The first time, I was the main speaker, but I thought it would be exciting to get students involved. I was able to get a fourth grade young girl name Jasmine Trevino to take part in creating this podcast. She came up with the topic she wanted to talk about which was becoming a doctor. We came up with the script together. She was an amazing help even when this was her first time recording her own voice. She does not have access to the Internet at home and not very much experience working with computers. She was a little nervous during the recording. We actually had to record over twenty times. We tried pausing along the way to keep her from tripping over her words. She did a great job and I am totally satisfied with the results. I can't wait to use podcasts with my students in the classroom!

If you would like to listen to Career Talk Podcast by Jasmine Trevino click on the link below.

listen to ‘Career Talk with Jasmine Trevino’ on Audioboo