I know what they are and what they are used for, I personally have never needed to use one or listen to one.
A podcast is an audio feed, one records and then uploads to a main source (e.g. iTunes), in which users can then come download the podcast onto their iPod or mp3 player which is saved there to listen whenever they please.
From reading the information given within my course content and the websites linked I have gained a new appreciation for 'podcasts'. Little did I know how many skills are being developed and defined when creating and using a podcast, found from 'The Magic of Learning' (2010):
Collaborative Skills
Writing Skills
Speaking Skills
Presentation Skills
Communication Skills
Media Skills
Oral Fluency
Technology Skills
Auditory Skills
Storytelling Skills
Information Literacy
Although the skills gained from podcasting are fantastic, I do not see how it could be a relevant tool for early childhood classes. I can see the relevance for mature students, such as; year 10 to university. However, I'm failing to see a way of incorporate podcasting into earlier years.
Please share your ideas and responses.
Hi Emily,
ReplyDeleteI also read this Langwitches blog and believe these literacy skills are very valuable. The CQU moodle site for Managing E-Learning suggest some uses for podcasts in classrooms. These include;
1. Self-Guided Walking Tours - Informational content.
2. Music - Band promotional clips and interviews.
3. Talk Shows - Industry or organizational news, investor news, sportscasts, news coverage and commentaries.
4. Training - Instructional informational materials.
5. Story - Story telling for children or the visually-impaired.
In response to incorporating podcasts in the early years, one could use podcasts to tell stories and encourage listening skills without visuals. Another suggestion could be to design an audio clip to set the scene for a unit. Students could actively use podcasting to share stories with their peers, of course a lot of scaffolding would be required for this tasks.
These are just some suggestions let me know what you think.
Regards
Pauline
Hi Pauline,
ReplyDeleteThankyou for your input. Those ideas do sound like they would need a lot of scaffolding, but I'm sure the results would definitely be worth it.
They are great ideas to remember for the future.
Thankyou.
Emily.