Bringing Podcasts into the Classroom

“Podcasts: Where’s the Learning,” By Patricia Deubel

Summary

The purpose of this article, “Podcasts: Where’s the Learning” by Patricia Deubel (2007), is to define and illustrate the purpose of podcasts and why they are an effective tool for the classroom. The where from the title refers to the transportability this form of technology offers to the storing and transmitting of educational communications. According to the article, the definition of podcast is derived from the acronym POD, meaning “playable on demand,” coupled with the concept of “broadcasting” (Deubel, 2007). One can listen to instantly or download and listen to later. Excluded from its definition is the quality of being interactive, like Web 2.0. There is a wealth of resources available for students, including variety of content and across grades. Examples given for schoolroom use include the following: to record the goings on of the classroom and to record, collect, and create data and projects by students. Thus, purposes include promoting literacy and increasing speech and communication skills.

Reaction

Having recently created my own first podcast, I have personally experienced the following benefits: 1) growing in self-awareness re: my voice and improving my ability to communicate orally, 2) creating a way to store a audio story I can share with students at any time, and 3) versatility and improvement to projects, i.e., from video, to story-reading (in which can be included sound effects/ music to come story come to life), etc.  Another key benefit is their ability to support differentiation. For example, podcasts can be translated into different languages and, thus, can help accommodate ELL students. Another way is creating access to lectures and classroom discussions for absentee students.  I can also see parents appreciating such access as well. Finally, podcasts create an authentic form of assessment and evidence of learning.

Reference

Deubel, P. (2007). Podcasts: Where’s the Learning. Retrieved from The Journal: http://thejournal.com/articles/2007/06/07/podcasts-wheres-the-learning.aspx