How Is Podcasting Integrated Into the Classroom?
Increasing students' ability to collaborate, process and share information has always been a goal shared by educators. Incorporating technology in the classroom expands the range of class activities that help meet this goal. However, this means more than simply stacking computers on desks. Continual effort must be made to integrate the use of technology into existing curriculum. One project that provides students with a continual collaborative activity is podcasting.
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Concept
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Think of podcasts as prerecorded radio shows. They are audio recordings that are available for listening and downloading. Much like work journals and diaries, podcasts allow students to express their opinions and share with others. Unlike written documents podcasts are designed to be broadcast to a larger audience, whether shared with the class, the school or the world.
Curriculum Integration
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Rather than replace lessons, podcasts are used to complement existing activities. With podcasts it's easy to have students report on a recent science project or critique the book they are reading for English. Teachers are using this technology in the same way they used brief reports, journals and diaries. However, podcasts have the advantage of being quick, preservable and sharable.
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Types
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There are two types of podcasting being done in schools: ongoing and sporadic. Ongoing podcasting projects allow students to publicize their class activities. This requires continuous support from teachers. The advantage of this method is in the repetition. Given more opportunities to practice speaking and editing, students will create noticeably better broadcasts (e.g., kids produce a series of podcasts as they read through a chapter book, giving their impressions of the book and commentary that improves as class lessons progress). However, if time is not available, using podcasts periodically to report on specific projects is also an option (e.g., students produce a podcast after finishing a book for class).
Warnings
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As with any classroom project, preservation of safety must be a primary concern. This is particularly important in the K-12 environment. Podcasting enables students to broadcast their thoughts and voices to a large audience. Without adequate security measures, students may produce inappropriate content, harm others or inadvertently expose themselves to cyberbullying and sexual predators.
Prevention
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Before integrating podcasts into your curriculum, establish safety procedures and guidelines for your classroom. Begin by establishing rules for content. Regulate the material your students talk about. Keep it relevant to school and free of offensive topics. Consider having students script each broadcast in advance so that you may preview the show. Monitor how you broadcast. Consult with your tech supervisor and find ways to share safely within your school community. And finally, discuss with students the dangers of the Internet. Talk about electronic communications and virtual personages. Without proper guidance, children will continue to conduct themselves unsafely online.
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References
Resources
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