I have heard of podcasts, but never really knew what they were all about. After studying more about them and their uses, I was delighted to see the creative possibilities. Just like any "tool" - it is essential to understand the capabilities of various tools. Some users do not use the tool to the capcity in which they are created to do; and some mis-use them. With podcasts, it is essential to utilize this tool with the understanding that they are not providing "visual" enhancement, but rather puts a voice to a particular topic rather than reading text. This can be a tremendous tool for many different uses. By using this tool in the clasroom, it is an effective way to get students to conduct research well enough to be able to summarize it in a format that would be conducive for podcasts. It gives the students the power to be a designer and create while enhancing their knowledge of particular topics. As the podcasts are created, it is also a great way for the students to hear their voices and critique their own learning. Whether it be elementary students hearing their ability to read a story or a high school student listening to their beliefs or opinions based on reasearch - it is a great tool to use for multiple outcomes.
From a business perspective, podcasts can also be a great tool, based on the goal and the audience. As with any marketing or communication tool, it is essential that the tool can reach the audience. Therefore, if the type of message or the goal of a particular message requires audio, visual or text, then the choice of which medium to use is very criticual. Podcasts add another creative way for these goals to be attained.
I like what you said about this being an opportunity to teach the students about expressing themselves with out the use of visual enhancement. In 5th grade, we are often trying to get the students to write personal narratives that are descriptive enough to give the reader a "mind movie" of their story. I can see using podcasts as a way for students to self assess the power of their words by listening to their stories.
ReplyDeleteWell written and thought out. The neat thing about podcasts is the limitless number of authentic problems that can be addressed. You hit it on the head when you said students had to be knowlegable enough to summarize in an audio format. I like the fact that they can take ownership in their learning and creation.
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