The video above offers an extensive definition and explanation of the purpose of podcasts. Basically, podcasts are amateur radio shows that can be uploaded for free on the internet. These podcasts range across an array of subjects. For example, Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing offers explanations for various topics in grammar that are often subject to confusion, such as lie vs. lay and when to use the apostrophe in “it’s.” Although some podcasts are created to be educational, others are produced for the purpose of entertainment. I found a podcast on itunes entitled “The Extra Mile.” It is a show for runners that is hosted by a man who runs while he is recording. In the episode I listened to, the host talked about the distance he was running, other podcasts he was listening too, and the pretty teacher he saw as he ran by a school. Although I learned very little from listening to the show, I was entertained and interested in hearing what the man had to say.
You can download podcasts for free by using itunes. Itunes is a program that can be downloaded for free as well. It is a useful program for organizing the music and radio shows you may have on your computer.
As a future educator, I am always looking for reasons to use technology in the classroom. After all, many students are interested in social networking, music, and radio. Why not have them use it for educational purposes? There are podcasts to help with learning foreign languages on itunes. These shows can act as supplementary instruction for students who would like to become more proficient in the languages they are learning in school. Additionally, students can use podcasts as tools for primary research. I would consider allowing my students to search for podcasts that reflect their personal interests. They can find out more information about subjects they already care about. Students could also make their own podcasts. In Omaha, Nebraska, students from an elementary school have a podcast called Willow Web. The podcast is highly informational. Students share what they have learned in school with the rest of the world
Richardson, author of Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms, suggests that, “Social studies teachers could have their students do oral histories, interviews, or reenactments of historical events. Science teachers could have students narrate labs or dissections or experiments to record their processes. Music teachers could record weekly recitals or special events as podcasts. All teachers could record important parts of what they do in the classroom that can be archived to the class Weblog and used by students who may have missed the class or just want a refresher on what happened” (115). These creative ideas allow students to enhance their education and reinforce what they have learned, thus increasing the likelihood of important information being committed to memory. Teachers can also record information about the class and send the link to parents. This is an alternative form of a class newsletter that may be more appealing to parents. They can take the time to listen even while they are reading through their e-mails.
