Friday, 30 March 2012

PODCAST

What is a Podcast


A podcast is an online tool which enables you to listen to digital media (including series).



Examples of Some Types of Podcasts

I found a number of podcasts availble online.  Two that I found most suitable for children included ABC Podcasts and BBC Podcasts.

Here is an example of a podcast found on BBC called "CBeebies Radio".  It is suitable for children up to 6 years of age so would be effective in the early years.




Click on this Link to listen to the podcast:   http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/cg6

Here is an example of a podcast found on ABC called "Star Stuff".  I contains factual information on the solar system and may be more appropriate for the later years of primary (from Grade 5 to Grade 7).





Please click on the following link to listen to this podcast:  Early Earth's atmosphere clear and cloudy › StarStuff (ABC Science)


How Can A Podcast Be Used in the Classroom

There are many ways a podcast can be used in the classroom including:

  • Listening to series such as the above examples to obtain information or insight on a topic. 
  • Creating podcasts.  For instance, creating stories;
  • Teacher creating podcasts on important information which students can listen to at home.  This would help if a student misses school or where students are having difficulty with a subject;
  • For enjoyment, such as the CBeebies example above.

SWOT Analysis - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats


Strengths
Weaknesses
The strengths of using a Podcast in teaching include:

·         It supports cognitivism learning theories by assisting sensing memory but also may support connectivism as it enables knowledge to be found (Elearning Pedagogies).

·         It supports verbal learners as it has spoken explanations – (Learning Styles and Strategies).

·         It can support all of the Blooms Revised Taxonomies, especially when students create their own Podcast (Blooms Taxonomy).

·         It is entertaining and allows students to learn in a different way.

·         There are many different podcasts on all types of subject matter which makes it useable in many areas, eg. Science, art, music etc.

·         It is easy to use.
The weaknesses of using a podcast in teaching include:

·         It can be boring just listening to the audio rather than seeing the visual image.  Movies which involve both audio and visual may be more appealing;

·         Need to make sure that the content of the Podcast is appropriate for students.

·         Just listening to the podcast alone will not support higher order thinking.

·         Just listening to the podcast alone will not support active, visual learners.
Opportunities
Threats
The opportunities that can be used to overcome the weaknesses include:

·         Podcasts could be used as a feature (maybe once per week);

·         Teachers listen to the whole podcast before it is broadcast to the class to ensure appropriate content;

·         Make sure the lesson includes other measures to support higher order thinking, such as creating a podcast or discussing collaboratively the content of the podcast.

·         Make sure the lesson includes some visual aids for visual learners and incorporate some hands on activities associated with the topic of the podcast.
The threats associated with using a podcast include:

·         Checking the content of the podcast to ensure it is suitable for students;

·         Making sure the length of the podcast is not excessive.

·         Ensure that it supports learning .


Personal Reflection

I had never heard of a Podcast before this course.  I have now listened to many podcasts online.  Although I can see the benefits of using podcasts, I personlly found that I disengaged when listening to them.  I am a visual, active learner and I found that listening to the podcast alone was much like sitting listening to a long lecture - not exciting.  I would still include podcasts in my teaching but would have to make sure that the podcast was not lengthy and that other activities were included. 

References

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