Podcasting

Podcasting in the Classroom: Make Using it Easy and Inexpensive
http://teachingtechnology.suite101.com/article.cfm/podcasting_in_the_classroom

According to Wikipedia, a podcast is “a series of audio or video digital-media files which is distributed over the Internet by syndicated download, through Web feeds, to portable media players and personal computers.” Basically it is a Web-based radio or television show that can be produced by any person, anywhere, and updated whenever, as long as they have access to the right technology. The article Podcasting in the Classroom: Make Using it Easy and Inexpensive explained the word podcasting comes from two different terms. The terms used are “Ipod” and “Broadcasting.” It is a new technology that enables students to individualize their lesson plans and receive extra help on assignments. It is also something that students can easily pick up as an extra study aid. It allows them to download lectures, music and whatever else a teacher sees fit. They can subscribe to a podcast and their lessons will automatically download to their listening device. In addition, it also assists students with disabilities to spend extra time out of class re-listening to a lecture or a presentation. They can download the aspects of a lesson that interests them specifically or they need extra time with. It works best with auditory learners and is extremely helpful for students who have trouble reading.
Overall, I believe podcasting can be used to achieve several things in the classroom. Podcasting allows students to broadcast their classroom discussions and ideas to a wider audience. Furthermore, students can create their own content and feel a sense of ownership, making them more likely to remember the content during a test. Another reason I believe podcasting is effective is because students help one another understand the content. This creates a positive classroom environment and encourages a subject-centered classroom rather than a teacher-centered classroom. In addition, I think students should use them to share their work, such as speeches and poems. It also helps an absent student to download the recorded lesson. I do, however, believe there are some disadvantages of podcasting in the classroom. These disadvantages include, making sure as a teacher you understand the copyright issues and being prepared to deal with parents who may become upset because their child’s voice can be posted on the internet.
For further research, I would be interested in how effective podcasts are and for what age range it works best with. For the future with podcasts I would like to know if students could be able to take a test via the podcast linked to a testing software.