Podcasting

Podcasting is an emerging tool many educators are incorporating into curriculum. A podcast, formerly known as a webcast, is a series of either audio or video digital media files. Podcasts are produced often on the internet and can be either downloaded or streamed live via computer, MP3 player, or any number of other forms of technology. a number of websites exist with preexisting podcasts spanning a range of topics that would cover almost any topic imaginable. Additionally, anyone with access to a phone and the internet can create his or her own podcast, which has obvious applications in a classroom setting.
As a future educator, podcast certainly project to play a role in my classroom setting. One application of podcasts is that the teacher can create a podcast to create and record directions for a project so that students can access the directions from any home without worrying about keeping track of a hard copy rubric. Teachers can assign students to listen to podcasts the teacher pre-screens and recognizes as quality information. Once the students understand how to locate and recognize factual podcasts, they can search for their own podcasts to share with the class. By doing this, students will be exposed to a larger spectrum of ideas and may be motivated to do additional research on their own. Another option is that students can utilize podcasts to create their own personal podcast. This might be useful when synthesizing projects, and is a unique option to present a project rather than the more traditional method of standing and presenting in front of the class.
One positive aspect of podcasting is that it spans a vast array of subjects and topics. One would be hard pressed to find a topic not addressed by a podcast somewhere on the internet. Another wonderful quality of podcasting is that by encouraging students to do it on their own, teachers build up students' media literacy and prepares the students for a world that is becoming increasingly technology driven. One drawback of podcasting is due to the myriad of podcasts available, students might access podcasts that are not factual or potentially inappropriate. Another drawback is that podcasting might be a new concept for many students, which means the teacher will likely have to take time to help students understand how podcasting works. The teacher must decide whether or not spending time on podcasting is a worthwhile deviation from other course curriculum.