I believe that part of being a life-long learner is continuing to be informed of the world around me. Education is become more and more often a topic found in the news. It is for this main reason that I chose to subscribe to an NPR podcast. I have subscribed to the BBC’s World Have Your Say podcast which is updated daily with different news events around the world. There continue to be conflicts around the world that’s origins lie in history and can be connected to events that I teach my students about. I believe that using a podcast every so often will be more engaging for my students. Instead of reading a newspaper or online article, it’s more like listening to a story (which they love). It would also be beneficial for students who struggle with reading or who may be at a reading level lower than what one needs to accurately comprehend the average news article. http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/worldservice/whys/rss.xml
To utilize this podcast in my classroom I will need my digital projector, computer and speakers. I would also like to see my students utilize laptops and headphones to have the opportunity to search for and listen to podcasts that they find interesting. It would be exciting for the kids to be able to create their own podcasts about things happening around the school. We make news broadcasts and student newspapers, why not podcasts? They could easily be uploaded to our school website along with upcoming events and other news. It would be a great way for students to become even more invested in our school and their success. When students are able to create things and take ownership of something, it motivates them to continue to learn more or to be proud and show off what they have learned. Our building already has 2 class sets of microphones that are compatible with our laptops. I would work with the students on how to use sound recorder and after they became comfortable with it, creating their own podcast might become a regular project option for them. There really are so many possibilities; I can’t wait to try using podcasting this fall!
I had never thought about using podcasts to get my news information. What a great idea. This would also be great to sync to my iPod touch and listen to on the way to work so I know if it is something I want to share with my students that day. And I am multitasking by using my 20 minute drive to school to be productive.
ReplyDeleteWe used Movie Maker last year to create digital story books and just voice recordings. It worked out fantastically. The kids were able to edit what they sounded like and absolutely loved hearing themselves give information to other kids.
Good luck and keep us posted on how it works out in your classroom next year!
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you were able to find a podcast that worked for you on the NPR website. This podcast seems to be a particularly good one as it keeps you informed about news around the world. My students this year really had me watching the news so I could better support them in the classroom and in their lives at home. One little girl whose family lives in Guatemala was very scared and couldn’t focus for a about a week this spring because of all that was happening there. I had only been a news viewer when I had time or was visiting my father. This podcast would have allowed me to listen on my own time – how convenient! It would definitely be great for learners who struggle to read a news article. Great connection!
Thank you for sharing your ideas on podcasting!
- Denise
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI really like this podcast and I am going to subscribe to it for myself. I find I never have time to watch the news but this would be great to listen to as I am driving my kids back and forth to soccer. I also feel there is great value in this type of content for older students and could lead to some very interesting discussion sessions with these students. Great ideas!
Jane
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts. The podcast you are subscribing to will be a very beneficial one! I love your idea of using a podcast instead of having students read an article. It will definitely be more engaging for them, and you're right: they do love listening to stories. I also thought about how great it would be to have students create podcasts about upcoming events that we could post on our school website. Families can listen to these podcasts to get more information, and it's even more personal with students creating them. I am really excited about trying podcasting next year also!