Learning is something that should never be sedentary. Mobility and active learning is key in any classroom. Lectures, notes and classroom discussions with peers can all be uploaded and listened to as needed. Students now have accessibility to the classroom anywhere. They should not merely be the listeners of content but the recorders and creators of the dialogue as well. Getting students interested in pod-casting can be a challenge, it may seem like more work. But if you sell it as a radio drama, a personal journey of expression and knowledge, sharing ideas can be exciting, even for the quietest of students. Making eye contact is difficult for many students especially those with autism: my son being a student with autism, I recognize this every day. When he is given the option of recording his notes or presentation he is engaged and excited. A few simple alterations: privacy to edit, record, and share, bringing in humor, personal interest, passions and relevance all make a difference to many students. Even with the boisterous, outgoing, students pod-casting is helpful because it helps focus them and gives them time to formulate their ideas and create a personalized package of performance laden information.
After having students podcast I have seen many positive changes in my students. Students have the chance to listen to other students' podcasts and learn from one another. Podcasts hold their attention much better then a student standing up in class. Why? Less distractions and student recordings are much more focused. Students listen to various podcasts multiple time helping them conceptually understand the content better. I had a quiz after having students share their ideas on the topic of Charles Darwin. They scored in the middle range of mastery. Then I had students listen to each others podcasts on the topic, read each others blog posts, and I gave them a different but more challenging quiz (deeper understanding) and they all mastered the quiz. Less distractions and the ability to listen multiple times helped them conceptually see the "big picture" they other wise might have missed.
It is important to have multiple options in which students can share their ideas: 2-minute expert segments, This is what I know about.....review segments 1-2 minutes, and I can't wait to tell you what I learned segments 2-4 minutes. Maximum podcast should be five minutes. I also allow them and actually prefer sometimes for students to add a podcast behind a google slide show or a vod-cast PSA or genius hour like segment. I enjoy watching their slides or video as they discuss topics of relevance. They often come to me and ask if they can record a podcast. I put them on Canvas and all students have access to them. I am working on setting up a podcast channel on You Tube or AudioBoom. This will be the best way to make these podcasts public. Students have been perfecting their technique and now I think going public will be worthwhile.
Podcasting both by teachers: recording notes and lectures are a great toll to keep the classroom mobile and interactive. Also by creating podcasts I guide students to find purpose, model pronunciation throughout their recording and show them my personal perspective on a topic. Then I ask them to record their own podcasts showing their perspectives. The more podcasts they make (not all get posted for everyone to hear) the more practice they get. The more comfortable they feel the more humorous and exciting the podcasts become. The more they listen the more they hear flow, tone, clarity. The more they critique the more they find their own voice. Once they find their voice the more interesting and creative their podcasts become.
Podcasts are a tool for students to find personalized learning experiences. They can listen and learn on the go, but they also can contribute to the classroom community by sharing their own ideas and point of view. The more points of view, opinions, and arguments they hear the more their own become focused. Purpose is key, students need to understand why they are learning a particular content, they need to see the relevance and importance of new information. Speech and debate are an important part of the real world, getting your point across quick and concisely are skills every students needs. Podcasts allow students to learn pacing, pronunciation and flow. How to be clear and concise without an audience to guide visually. Words need to be chosen carefully and expression needs to be upbeat and engaging. Lastly, perspective is crucial in any performance, with out a focused agenda, goal, script any podcast will lose momentum and ultimately audience. These are all reinforced through student created podcasts.
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