Rising in popularity, podcasting is one of the newer technologies being explored and used by people around the world. Our Instructional Technology textbook, Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom, defines a podcast as "recorded audio, usually an MP3 file, stored in a file on a Web site that can be downloaded to a computer or a portable media player such as an iPod"--http://oc.course.com/sc/tdc5/index.cfm?action=terms&isbn=978-1-4239-1180-7&chapter=2. I know that my iPod consists of a couple podcasts that I really enjoy listening to, such as PotterCast: #1 Harry Potter Podcast. Podcasts are categorized into a wide-variety of genres. iTunes is filled with thousands of free podcasts that you can easily access and download for your enjoyment.
Amongst the mass of different podcast genre's, iTunes U has conveniently compiled all the different educational podcasts into one, organized location. There are podcasts for grades K-12, college students, beyond the campus, and so much more. You can find podcasts on food, music, art, history, science, business, and so many other related topics. In my classroom, I would take full advantage of the podcasts about art, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art's podcast or The Museum of Moden Art's podcast. Likewise, branching right to the side of podcasts are vodcasts which include video. I'd love to download some of these pertaining to whatever I may be teaching to share them with my class.
Podcasts would also be great for me to setup to share with my class. If I happen to attend a conference or gallery, I want to be able to document and share what I have learned and experienced with my students. I am more of a speaker and less of a writer, so podcasting would be a great way to document and share with my students about my trip.
Pros of podcasting: podcasting serves as an alternate form of introducing new material which students may enjoy as opposed to typically reading. Likewise, one does not have to necessarily be sitting at a table/desk to listen to someone lecture. Podcasting allows people to listen to lectures and discussions on-the-go (in the car, walking to class, or while doing another activity that must be done). Podcasting is generally simple to setup and easy to download.
Cons of podcasting: some people may not like to listen to a voice coming out of their MP3 player, computer, and etcetera when not in the classroom. Some people need a visual aid to fully comprehend what is being said. Though podcasting may seem simple for some people, it may be a bother for others. There are certain steps that one must go through to convert their podcast into a presentable audio file. Also, some people may not have a microphone to record their podcast.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I am glad you included iTunes U. That is a valuable resource that is too easily overlooked.
ReplyDelete