I have never really thought about using Podcasting
in the classroom. I have learned that Podcasting can be used in a variety of
ways that will be helpful in the class. If used correctly a Podcast can make
your job as the teacher and the students job easier throughout the year. Many
subjects can greatly benefit from this web 2.0 tool. The first thing that comes
to mind would be the opportunity for me to upload a Podcast that relates the
lesson to real world situations. With that tool the students can research on
why they are learning a certain lesson. I could also use a Podcast to reach out
to students who need the extra help on the subject matter. I could upload
demonstrations throughout the year that the students can reflect back on to
study for their final exam or even to help them gain more knowledge on the
subject. I certainty plan on using Podcasts in my classroom.
Podcasting is very similar to most of the Web 2.0
tools that are available. Just like the wikis and blogs, podcast still engage
the students and keeps them participating. Podcasting and Web 2.0 tools are all
very similar because it allows the students to explore on their own. With this
the students is able to "dig" as much as they want and then share
this information with their peers. Since most students already use these tools
in there every day lives why not go ahead and get them to use them in the
school too. All Web 2.0 tools allow the students to participate online which is
a big tool that will help them as they prepare for their future as workers in
the economy. One of the only differences I see with Podcasting and other Web
2.0 tools is that Podcasting is kind of limited when it comes to Math. I can
think of a few instances where it will work but I can think of unlimited ways
to use Podcasting in an English or Speech class.
I own an iPod and I have only ever used it to listen
to music. I know that they have a bunch of features that I have never even
looked into. Now that I know that I can use iPods to help reinforce my subject
matter I will definitely try to use Podcasting and other Web 2.0 tools as much
as possible. I know that Web2.0 tools cannot be used to replace face to face
instruction. With that being said I will make sure that I always have a Podcast
available for my students so they can get the extra help if they so desire to
want it. I worry that if I try to use a Podcast in the classroom the students
will not take it seriously. I know that if I was given the option to listen to
a Podcast while in class I probably would not have. I know that I would have
listened to music or ventured off to another site. Trying to keep control of
the lesson is a problem that I see.
