Podcasts have many benefits in the educational sphere. I’d never really explored the possibilities until I created an account with iTunes. Now I have access to a never ending supply of podcasts that can be used to educate my students and myself. Podcasts also allow students to learn anywhere and anytime providing they have internet access. This has become the student culture of the digital age where learning takes place wherever you are. When combined with RSS, podcasts from various websites can be accessed in a reader, saving time and making students more likely to use the technology.
Engagement learning theorists (Prensky, 2005; Kearsy & Schneiderman, 1999) support the use of ICT in encouraging students to relate to their learning material. Eash (2006) explains exactly how podcasts can be used to engage students. She states, “Podcasts actively engage students in their own learning. Since they are already used to hand-held MP3 technology, integrating it with curricular content comes naturally. Students even become teachers as they help lead the way during implementation.” Podcasts can also be used as an assessment tool when students are required to make their own podcast surrounding a particular topic. What better way than to teach students how to teach others through sharing information, whilst simultaneously learning about that information!
This video shows how one grade four classroom used podcasting in a project where they were required to illustrate and narrate using ICT technologies.
References:
Eash, E. (2006). Podcasting 101 for K-12 librarians. Computers in Libraries, 26(4). Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/apr06/Eash.shtml
Kearsey, G., & Shneiderman, B. (1999). Engagement theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved July 19, 2009, from http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm
Prensky, M. (2005). Engage me or enrage me. Educause Review, Retrieved July 22, from http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/erm0553.pdf
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Hi Jane, thanks for the comment. Like you I have only just begun subscribing to Podcasts and now I can't stop. It is true when you say that "this has become the student culture of the digital age..." A very good reason to keep podcasting :)
ReplyDeleteHi Carl,
ReplyDeleteI like your comment about podcasting, "Now I can't stop". I've found this to be the case with a lot of the tools we've been learning about. Once I start,I can't stop and want to explore it further. If we as educators find these tools engaging, then that's hopefully a good sign that our students will as well!
Thanks for your insight,
Jane
this would be very beneficial for students ..now they can study anywhere by using this if they have internet connection...
ReplyDeletekristina
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Thanks Kristina,
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking about your comment, "If they have internet connection". There are also potential problems with relying on the internet for hosting and relaying important learning material. Internet sites are still third party sites and if they crash, they are under no obligation to anyone for loss of information. Not only that, but in major events such as cyclones, energy strikes and the like, information can become irretrevable for an amount of time if it is not in hard copy.
Anyway, I know I've gone a bit off track, but it's worth a thought.
Jane