Podcasting is a useful Tool for Learning & Teaching

Kelly, G (2008). Podcasting: Just the Basics. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 44, Retrieved 05/03/2009, from http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com.libproxy.chapman.edu:2048/hww/results/getResults.jhtml?_DARGS=/hww/results/results_common.jhtml.21

What is Podcasting?
Podcasting can be thought of as an online, audio broadcast that you can listen to on your PC or your MP3 player. Podcasts can be created for any purpose-entertainment, education- and can run from as little as a few seconds in length to an hour or more, although for educational purposes most people agree that it is best to keep them between 5-10 minutes. The word podcasting is derived from two words i-Pod and broadcast. The EDUCAUSE learning initiative 2005 described podcasting as a “software & hardware combination that permits automatic downloading of audio files (most commonly in MP3 format) for listening at the user’s convenience.” Though used overwhelmingly for music, podcasting is a method of publishing both audio and video using the internet (Clyde 2005, 54). When people subscribe to a podcast, files are delivered to their computers whenever new information or “feeds” became available. They can listen to recorded material on their computers; it can be downloaded to mobile devices such as ipod or MP3 Players.

How does podcasting work?

Software programs, known as podcast aggregators or podcatchers should be downloaded to facilitate listening to a podcast. These softwares enable subscription to or management of any podcasts. According to the News Week (2005) the most popular software includes iPodder, iTunes & Doppler Radio. These programs are tools used to subscribe what’s known as RSS feeds which supplies downloadable files. RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication. The podcatchers or aggregators retrieve files in the RSS and automatically add these files to each user’s computer or mobile device.

How can teachers use podcasts?

It is very easy, podcasts can be used for many educational purposes, and it can be used for:
v Curriculum augmentation.
v Professional Development
v Material presentation by both teachers and students
v And effective communication with community and parents.

Using podcast as Curriculum

Podcast can supply an almost endless variety of content in audio & video form. The technology gives teachers one more instructional device that can be used to communicate effectively with their students. Such a communication will be very useful to address the needs of the students who prefer audio or visual learning. Podcasts can deliver educational content for listening or viewing on your computer & i pod, freeing learning & teaching from constraints of the classroom and its clock”, Apple education 2007. They can be used to introduce new material, support current lessons or review material covered in class.

Using Podcasts for Professional Development

Podcasts can offer teachers a convenient professional development. Many teachers are living very busy lives. There is limited time for staying carried an instructional technology skills or essential issue in education. Podcasts can offer teachers the freedom to select what, when & where they learn. If a teacher wants to learn more about effective communication with parents, she/he can subscribe on an educational podcast with parents. The teacher can listen to podcast from his/ her desk directly from the computer, i pod, while driving or any mobile device at home. The content is available anytime anywhere. Technologies now are opening the door to a way of learning that was not available until recently.

Creating podcast Presentation

Another educational use for podcasts is custom information sharing. The technology offers “a unique opportunity to provide on-demand content in an easily accessible and cost effective format” (Eash 006, 16). Teachers can record lectures, lab directions, project overviews & review material and make it all available for students to download to their computers or any portable devices. Students also can prepare their own podcasts to demonstrate their understanding of content, for digital storytelling, to learn to speak effectively and for presentation among many other users. Podcasts enable students to assume a meaningful role in their own learning, one in which they take pride because they feel ownership (Anderson 2005, 42). Podcasts allow students one more way to express themselves.

Communication with Podcasts

Podcasts offer opportunity to communicate effectively with community & parents. They supply parents with information provided by their child’s district, School or teacher. A weekly report on the on-goings on of schools interviews with teachers and students involved in a project, extracts from debates & concerts and reviews of sports reports can bring parents more effectively into school community " (jelly cast 2006). Podcasts offer an additional way to keep parents informed.

Examples of How Podcasts Are Being Used

The links below give some examples of how to use podcasts in teaching and learning.
I - http://mabryonline.org
II- http://www.howbase.com/video/gBBsmPlgDR8/Java-Programming-Time-lapsed.html
III- www.ahisd.net/campuses/cambridge/radio/radio.htm
IV -http://thejournal.com/articles/17607
V- www.mpsomaha.org/willow/radio
VI- www.apple.com/itunes/store/podcasts.html
VIII- www.podcastingnews.com/details/

Conclusion

Podcasts are changing the way we teach & learn, and communicate. Podcasts provide one more method to help teachers build better curriculum, provide students with differentiated instruction, increase their knowledge of educational topics through on going professional development, and remain in touch with communities and parents. Podcast allow teachers to more effectively assimilate “chunks” of learning over time versus an all-day session “(Pollack 2005, 2). Joining the revolution is easy. Simply download the required software, select a podcast, and sit back. Get ready to join the growing number of educators "casting the net" for changes in teaching and learning.
References:
http://volkerh.public.iastate.edu/projects/podcasting/01about_podcasting.html
http://www.powertolearn.com/articles/teaching_with_technology/podcast.shtml