Podcasts in the Classroom

Online learning has become popular because of its potential for providing more flexible access to content, as well as providing instruction at any time from any place. As a teacher I would find podcast to be quite a useful tool. By increasing the learning availability, it will allow for me to connect with more students instead of just relying on face-to-face time with them. I really liked the ideas presented in class about using them as speakers corner, or as radio plays, time capsules would be a really cool thing to do with a class as well.

I came across a blog on podcasts that offered a lot of info on how useful podcasts can be in the classroom. It had examples for math, science, English and music teachers.

For example, “Some math teachers are using podcasting to demonstrate how to solve problems step-by-step using their students ideas and creativity. They then post the podcasts on the web and students could use them as an online tutor any time they need one”. Here is an example of a math podcast: Math Mutation Podcast

In a typical school system students receive the lecture content in class and then are given homework to practice at home with. Problems arise when the students have no one at home to help them out. This is when podcasts come in handy. They deliver content to students at their convenience. It is also helpful for helping students catch up on missed classes.

Podcasting is a great way for students to get extra practice too, but there is a downside to them as well. If students become too reliant on podcasts, they could place less and less value on the face-to-face time with their teachers, which could impact the effectiveness of the teaching strategy, which is why I would really stress the role of the podcast as a supplement to the classroom material.

From personal experience with podcasts; online classes, and personal development sessions with work at lululemon, I find them to be on par to that of face-to-face instruction. Obviously, they will never replace the value of a teacher in the classroom, but I do think they are a great follow up post lecture. It gives the students the opportunity to access parts of the lecture they may not have understood or had a chance to scribble down the notes on. As far as how I would incorporate them into my classroom I am undecided mainly because, I am very challenged when it comes to technology, but I am sure there is a podcast on how to make a podcast J.