This short video really drives home the fact that you don't need an iPod to listen to a podcast. It however does not answer the question of what is a podcast and how can it be used in education? That is where I come in.
What is a Podcast?
In order to be considered a podcast three requirements must be meet:
- It must have episodes. It is not just a one time recording.
- It must be downloadable.
- It must be program driven. This requirement relates to the episode requirement.
How did the name Podcast come to be?
There are many theories as to how the name podcast was coined. I have heard, found and seen many different answers to this question. All have the same answer as to where the -cast came from. The shortening of broadcast. Where the differences lie is in the pod- part. I will list my three favorite. (In no particular order)
- iPod. This makes a lot a sense just combined iPod and broadcast to get Podcast. Apple has no stake in Podcasts but I am sure they enjoy the extra advertising of their iPods.
- An acronym for Portable On Demand (pod).
- Using the Latin root word pod, meaning foot.
What type of Podcasts are available?
Podcast come in a variety of areas and subjects. There are three major types of Podcasts:
- Professional
- Educational
- Entertainment
Where can Podcasts be found?
There are two areas:
- The World Wide Web - The World Wide Web itself has many places you can go to find Podcasts. There are Podcast database along with a Podcasts own individual page.
- iTunes
Now that we covered the basics of what is a Podcast, how did it get its name, different types, and where they can be found I will now discuss how they can be used in the classroom. There are many different ways that a Podcast can be used in the classroom. The users imagination is really the limit of what can be done with Podcasts. Podcasts can be used at every educational level and with any academic content. That is why instead of breaking it down by grade level I will introduce the many uses and remember various modifications can be made depending on teacher/student needs.
Pre-recorded Podcasts:
These are Podcasts that are already created and downloaded for playback. Pre-recorded Podcasts are the best way to get around district imposed blocks or filters. As a teacher you can listen to the Podcast at home to make sure it is suitable for what you want to instruct. Once you listen to it you can download it on to an Mp3 player or any device that will play a Podcast. After it is downloaded it can be brought into the classroom and played for the class. The variations are endless you can play it whole class, small group, or individual. Pre-recorded Podcasts are great because once you have them downloaded you no longer need an Internet connection to play them. Students could even download or transfer Podcasts on their own Mp3 players or similar devices and take the learning with them. One disadvantage to pre-recorded Podcasts is that the students can not search and look for Podcasts they are limited to the pre-recorded ones.
Streaming Podcasts:
Streaming Podcasts are similar to pre-recorded Podcasts expect for one small difference. That difference is you need an Internet connection to play a streaming Podcast. The downfall to streaming Podcasts in the classroom are bandwidth use, district filters, and monitor what students find. Think of all the uses of pre-recorded Podcasts and add the feature that students are not limited to that one source but can listen to other episodes or even other Podcasts. Streaming Podcasts would be ideal for a classroom that has access to the Internet, limited filters, and procedures put in place for appropriate Internet usage.
Teacher/Student Created:
These are Podcasts that you or your student create. Teacher created Podcasts can be used to introduce, review, or expand a topic covered in class. The benefit to creating your own Podcast is you know your students and the state standards so the Podcast can be meaning and relevant to the students. The disadvantage to teacher created Podcasts is the time it takes to create them. Why not let the students show off their skills in both technology and in academic content? That is the idea behind student created Podcasts. Students can showcase their skills and share them with an audience the size of anyone with an Internet connection. The great thing about teacher/student created Podcasts is you do not need the Internet to record them. The Internet is only needed to upload the Podcast. This feature could allow teachers/students to create at home and upload at school or vice-versa depending on where the connection was. It is important to have Internet agreement forms signed and policies in place prior to creating Podcasts with students.
Vodcasts:
The last type of Podcast is called a Vodcast. This is a Podcast that includes video with it. All of the same advantages and disadvantages exist as in the previously mentioned types. Vodcasts do come with one advantage the others do not and that is the use of video. They also have one disadvantage the others do not have in order to view a Vodcast you need a screen. Without a screen a Vodcast is just a Podcast.
Podcast Resources:
Learning in Hand - A one stop shop for all that is Podcasting. Created by Tony Vincent. Has been called the golden standard of Podcasting.
Audacity - Free recording software for creating Podcasts.
GarageBand - Software for recording and creating Podcasts (Mac only).
GCast - Free Podcast hosting site. (Information only no longer accepting new sign ups).
PodBean - Free Podcast hosting site.
The Education Podcast Network - Database of Podcasts for all grade levels and subjects.
Kalkulation Korner - My own personal Podcast (Geared toward Middle School Mathematics - Can also be found in iTunes).
Grammar Girl - Quick and Dirty tricks to improve student's grammar (Very popular Podcast - Can also be found in iTunes).
You now have an understanding of what a Podcast is, how it can be used, and resource to get you off and running. If you have any questions please leave them in the comments section. I am not a Podcast Pro but I do have some experience with them. I will leave you with a short 4 minute video that can have you creating Podcasts in no time.
