Podcasts and learning

So, the question is posed, 'how can you use podcasts for  great learning?'


There is no question now that technology automatically engages students and I'm sure Prensky would agree.

Some podcast that I would use in my classroom are the ones which are rated in the top charts. Why? Well because the latest trends are that are going to hook the learners even more. Even though some may argue that Hamish and Andy podcasts are not the most educational for students, I would still most definitely use them in a english/literacy unit because they seem to have the podcast elements nailed by always being in the top 10 on iTunes.

Some ideas would be:

• Identifying and evaluating why some podcast attracted more viewers than others - comparing different podcasts and then creating a checklist of what makes a great podcast
• Students can use that checklist to then make their own podcast - the LM may allow students to choose their own topic and then mark them from an english/literacy standing point or may direct the students to make a podcast about a specific topic i.e. a history unit.
• The podcast can also be uploaded by the teacher as a recording of a lesson for students who may be away
• Students could also go home and 'replay' the teacher
• The whole class video podcasts could be made on different subject or to raise awareness for a project

The podcasts made do not have to be uploaded to iTunes; it really depends on the circumstances of the learning process. Audio recordings or video can be uploaded into a wikispace and password protected as to protect privacy if neccessary. Another option for uploading podcasts is PodOmatic.