Podcasting
The
digital medium of podcasting consists of an episodic series of audio subscribed to and downloaded through web syndication. They can be aired via websites
such as iTunes, and
www.soundcloud.com. They can be streamed
onto computers, tablets and mobile devices, therefore they are readily
accessible to a wide audience, including children.
As teachers, there is a need to make pupils who may use podcasting of the more educational podcasts. AudioBoom (www.audioboom.com) is one such podcast. All around the world, schools, colleges and universities embrace AudioBoom and frequently use it as an educational tool in their classrooms. Unfortunately, I have been unable to use AudioBoom when on placement but I have talked with trainees who have. According to my colleagues, some of whom admit they are not comfortable with computers (if not outright technophobes), AudioBoom is very easy to use.
As teachers, there is a need to make pupils who may use podcasting of the more educational podcasts. AudioBoom (www.audioboom.com) is one such podcast. All around the world, schools, colleges and universities embrace AudioBoom and frequently use it as an educational tool in their classrooms. Unfortunately, I have been unable to use AudioBoom when on placement but I have talked with trainees who have. According to my colleagues, some of whom admit they are not comfortable with computers (if not outright technophobes), AudioBoom is very easy to use.
Nevertheless,
whether you have used podcasting or not, teachers in the modern era may be more
inclined to give it a go as a significant percentage of pupils are
audio-learners. Some pupils are likely to learn by what they hear. Audio can not only enrich the curriculum but
it can engage the learner. Then again, creating your own podcast may prove to
aid learners also.
Podcasts enable children to familiarise themselves with mainstream types of media. Some believe that listening to and creating podcasts allow for various learning opportunities. Children have always enjoyed playing as radio broadcasters. Writing, acting, recording and editing encourages children to practise and hone a whole range of skills (some of which they may never knew they had). Furthermore, these varying stages to making an educational podcast episode caters to a range of learning styles, encourages teamwork, possibly co-operative learning, facilitate peer assessment and pupil voice. Provided the teachers and parents or carers consent, once published, children will feel proud that they have produced something that can be enjoyed by an audience and boost their confidence.
One final point to be made regarding downloading podcasts on to a computer or mobile device allows pupils reflect upon their learning at their own pace at a time which suits them. They can do this inside and outside school.
Podcasts enable children to familiarise themselves with mainstream types of media. Some believe that listening to and creating podcasts allow for various learning opportunities. Children have always enjoyed playing as radio broadcasters. Writing, acting, recording and editing encourages children to practise and hone a whole range of skills (some of which they may never knew they had). Furthermore, these varying stages to making an educational podcast episode caters to a range of learning styles, encourages teamwork, possibly co-operative learning, facilitate peer assessment and pupil voice. Provided the teachers and parents or carers consent, once published, children will feel proud that they have produced something that can be enjoyed by an audience and boost their confidence.
One final point to be made regarding downloading podcasts on to a computer or mobile device allows pupils reflect upon their learning at their own pace at a time which suits them. They can do this inside and outside school.