This is not a typeo. Podcast, at times can be plodding and dull. It is up to us as educators to uses these tools effectively, with purpose and make them relevant!!!!!!
The educational relevance is potentially high--for the right project and type of learner. For younger learners--and I am not solely speaking from an age standpoint but from an "academic maturity" one-- podcasts may not be the best technology, as it requires a certain amount of discipline to be autonymous and requires good listening skills.
From my perspective, perhaps the most exciting use of this technology is its application in project based learning. Students involved in creating podcasts must use higher levels of thinking and creativity as well as problem solving skills. They have the opportunity to use their imaginations by writing and acting out scripts while learning how to work with the technology itself. There are so many ways to get the students engaged: 1) Have them develop an audio review of keyboarding techniques for new students; 2) History of the computer, pick a technology, inventor and how it has impacted 21st century learning; 3) Develop a marketing idea for a new product or service that they plan to sell; 4) Overview of the stockmarket and why we should care. The list is endless for the authentic problems here.
In my opinion (again, I am a technology and real-world biggot), this offers an excellent platform for the students to learn and express themselves. As a teacher, I can also use it to provide feedback to the students and even send out links to parents. Facilitates communication. I have heard it is like "TiVO for lectures," which is true but it can be more student centered--as the paragraph above indicates.
Verbal lessons that students may miss or to get special tutorial background infomation. Study guides--deliver audio and video content. If students are sick, the lesson highlights (more on this later....) can be available for review. Instructors can use links on the sites for further exploration and content reinforcement.
Idea that students can learn anywhere at anytime--again the learner based limitations--not aged base. There are some middleshoolers that owuld thrive on this and I know some high schoolers that would site and still not pay attention.
Risk putting too much out there--cramming for exams by just listening to the podcast. Cheating if student do their own. Better approach would be to highlight the informational content. That way, the student still needs to use effective note taking and review techniques.
Love to see what data is out there on using both to see if studying or test scores improve. I would hope listening skills would improve.
Remember....keep it "real"
I like what you said about podcasts being a great tool for project based learning. I think creating podcasts is a great way to motivate students to think and write creatively.
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