I am definitely interested in the use of the podcast in my classroom environment. Research on this technological device suggest that the benefits are numerous for all content area teachers. A podcast is simply a series of digital media files , usually digital, audio, or video that is made available for download via web syndication. As Farivar (2005) suggests, podcasts are " audio files created to be distributed over the Internet. They are available for fr e and are usually encoded in MP3 format". Podcasting then is the"ability to create or listen to audio or video content called a podcas, via the Web, either live or dowmloaded for later viewing/ listening on your desktop /laptop, or a mobile device",Williams (2007).
The benefits of podcasting include the following:
- It is an effective way of interactingwith students outside the classroom
- A form of learning students of today are familiar with and therefore, makes it relevant to them
- It allows for differentiation and project based learning
- It promotes creativity and innovation
- It can offer distance learning opportunities for absent students
- The process of creating and uploading audio files is easy
- Students can record role plays in character ,making their learning more memorable
- Parents can see and hear what their are doing at school
- It caters to multi- lingual education
- It facilitates self-paced learning
- It definitely assists in the remediation of slow learners
- It provides a medium to offer advanced and /or highly motivated learners with extra content
- It offers a rich learning environment.
Podcasting has the capacity of advancing students education beyond the classroom,and must be
encouraged in the classroom environment.
Hi Adesh, I was attracted to this post because I am quite an ignoramus when it comes to podcasting. Thanks to you, I am a bit wiser. I can see the potential of this medium being used effectively for teaching phonemics where oral language alone is necessary without any reference to the alphabet symbols.Probably, it can be used to develop their listening skills thereby helping to increase their attention span. I would, indeed, like to know more about this technology.Given your list of benefits, the podcast seems to be very valuable.All the best.
ReplyDeleteHi Adesh,
ReplyDeleteInteresting information about podcasts, I can definitely see the benefits of using this to capture my students' attention. It is an excellent way to cater for diverse learning styles of our students in the classroom.