Podcasts

                There are numerous uses for Podcasts, both in the classroom as well as the library.  It is referred to as an audio blog.  Teachers can use one to introduce a lesson ahead of time.  Maybe the background information, review, or definitions could be covered through a Podcast outside the classroom.  This frees up some more instructional classroom time.  Some of the students need a lot of repetition such as our ELL’s or special education students.  This instructional tool could be used to accommodate their learning needs.  Sometimes there is not enough time to cover the needed information, so an extension of the lecture can also be reviewed with a podcast.  Currently, some schools are using “flipped classroom,” which is when the teacher uses a podcast to deliver the lesson, so that the classroom time can be used for answering questions and doing projects. 

Librarians can use this tool in various ways.  With limited time and manpower, having podcasts can aid in assisting the students with topics that are easily answered.  Students can also upload podcasts of book reviews, so that other students might get a different perspective of a book. 

There are several free podcasting tools that students can use.  They are very user friendly and only require a microphone and a computer.  A lot of the newer computers already have a microphone built in, so it is even easier that one thinks to record a podcast. 

Here is an example from Soundcloud




Here is an example from Audioboo

listen to ‘Mikaela Saenz Podcast of Rodrick Rules’ on Audioboo