Saturday, November 3, 2007

Introduction

A podcast is a digital media file, or a related collection of such files, which is distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and personal computers. The term, like "radio", can refer either to the content itself or to the method by which it is syndicated; the latter is also termed podcasting. The host or author of a podcast is often called a podcaster.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcasting

It is my intention throughout this blog to demonstrate not only the value of incorporating podcasting within the classroom, but also offering a critique of this aspect of advanced technology.

I have found that podcasting can be very valuable inasmuch as it helps the teacher and students reach their educational goals, by facilitating thoughtful, engaging learning activities that are designed to work in support of those goals.

http://devel2.njit.edu/serendipity/index.php?/archives/369-Does-Podcasting-Have-Any-Inherent-Value.html

However, it is also clear that there is the fact that students' experiences listening to lectures and lessons via podcasts confirms what many teachers and lecturers already know: that the pedagogical value of podcasts depends almost entirely on student motivation and the learning "context" of the application.

So although technology has advanced to a state where podcasting and itunes can be utilised within the classroom, it still comes down to the teachers role in ensuring that learning is occurring. One cannot rely on the advancement of technology to do the teaching for them. The context has to be motivating within itself.

In this video, Jason Rhode provides a brief introduction to the technology of podcasting and mentions a few of the instructional benefits and considerations for using this new medium for information delivery.

1 comment:

Ken Ronkowitz said...

take a look at what podcasts you can download through iTunes U - Conference Connections, for example, is a good prof development podcast
http://www.apple.com/education/itunesu/

If you are an Apple-using school you should talk with your sales rep and see what they can offer as far as workshops

http://www.apple.com/education/k12/