Podcasts were an entirely new word to me, but apart from having an interest in the meaning of the word, I was not altogether bothered. So what is a podcast? A podcast is a digital broadcast that anyone can produce using a computer, a microphone and audio editing software, like Audacity.
After reading about podcasts, especially an article found in the Educational Leadership, where a teacher shares experiences on her successes in using the technology; my interests have been awakened. Dlott (2007), outlines how podcasts are implemented in the classroom and the positive responses from students and parents alike. I am most impressed with her conclusion that the time taken to learn the technology is well worth the effort. Many of the benefits highlighted here were also identified by Dlott.
How do podcasts benefit us in education?
Podcasts:
· By its very nature is interesting to students in this technological age.
· Stimulates interests when used in a lesson.
· Motivates students to work towards a finished product.
· Develops communication skills.
· Develops research skills.
· Improves students’ writing.
· Improves listening skills.
· Improves speaking skills.
· Facilitates parental and community involvement.
· Allows students to prepare for future life skills and presentations of the future.
In a similar article on the effectiveness of podcasts, Davis A. & McGrail E. (2009), point us to a process called 'proof-revising' by which teachers can read and record students' work via podcasts, allowing them to hear their mistakes orally.
ReplyDeleteI found this to be an excellent instructional strategy. It is particularly applicable with students at my school in Toco who are very verbal in terms of preferred communication style. Furthermore, my students are from the rural part of Trinidad where the oral tradition is still an important aspect of culture, with grandmothers and great aunts having an input in handing down stories. In Toco, the students also have the benefit of a local radio station which has tailored its programming to suit the needs of the community. With the podcasting tool available to them together with explicit guidance and instruction, I believe my students will be especially motivated to create their own radio shows, as this type of communication already exists within the culture of the community.
I agree that this is another fantastic strategy that will motivate and stimulate students to not only enhance and expand their communication skills but in further developing their critical thinking skills. It's a pity that we did not have the opportunity to learn more about this electronic tool during our class sessions.
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