Podcasting+in+the+Classroom

= = = = = Articles that Explore the Use of iPods in the Classroom =

[|Podcasting: Transforming Middle Schoolers Into ‘Middle Scholars’]
Although the article is almost four years old, the information is no less relevant. Larry S. Anderson reports on Jeanne Halderson's Longfellow Middle School class; yes the Longfellow right here in Wauwatosa! Halderson's 7th grade students infused themselves in Apple technology - from computers to podcasting. Students researched cross-curricular topics and then reported their findings by recording podcasts and making them available on iTunes. She indicated that her students became more engaged and eager to explore the content areas as a result. Halderson is considered one of the pioneers of educational podcasting.

[|In Some Schools, iPods are Required Listening]
In this New York Times article, Winnie Hu explores the use of iPods in education even as school districts enforce electronics bans across the country. The piece focuses on a poor, urban New Jersey school that experimented with iPods and bilingual education. Through the use of popular songs and lyrics, ESL students were taught in a way that was both interactive and relevant. As a contrast, Hu also discusses how Duke University faculty has implemented the use of iPods throughout the curriculum. this is a thought-provoking article that contrasts how financially opposing educational systems share methodology.

[|Pros and Cons of iPods in School]
Cel Pimentel discusses the pros and cons of allowing students to carry and use iPods in schools. She generates two lists and provides pretty compelling reasons on both sides of the issue. One con is the possibility of theft - something that could certainly be an issue among jealous adolescents. An equally justifiable pro is that idea that teachers could record their lessons and podcast them for students who were absent or want to review the material. Interestingly, she provides no judgment of her own - perhaps it's implicit? That leaves the critical thinking to the reader.

[|Schools Banning iPods to Beat Cheaters]
With technology comes the opportunity for enterprising Digital Natives to use it in ways that Digital Immigrants cannot even imagine. A district in Idaho banned all electronic devices after overhearing students talk about the ways in which mp3 players could aid in cheating. Not a use that most educators would find beneficial. Tim Dodd of Duke University ([|In Some Schools, iPods are Required Listening]), believes that there is educational value connected with classroom iPod use. He also believes that it is irresponsible to allow technology in schools without having an ethics conversation and without maintaining high expectations of personal integrity.

[|iPods in the Classroom]
Susie Meserve interviews Robert Craven, education technology coordinator for the Orange County Department of Education in California, regarding the possibilities of iPods as a learning tool. In the interview, Craven offers some examples of the projects that have been done in his district. Some students have used them to count calories (in conjunction with Nike) based on mobility, record story telling, podcast weekly lesson reviews, and create oral histories. He points out how easily a teacher can integrate audio into the classroom, catch-up an absent student on missed instruction, and even use it to deliver content-area flashcards. He also believes that the iPod can be a great communication tool between the child and the parent or guardian.

[|Podcasts Intend to 'Enhance Classroom Setting']
Vivian Giang, a writer for the University of Georgia's student newspaper, Red and Black, discusses the school's use of iTunes U. This program allows students to download educational and school-related multimedia files. These podcasts can help students review material as well as provide assistance to those with learning disabilities. One professor raises the point that although she values the technology, it should not be a substitute for attending class. She considers iTunes U an enhancement rather than a replacement. Others view podcasts as a way to reach multiple learning styles.

[|Creating Podcasts with Your Students]
This article, on the Reading Rockets website, gives a step-by-step procedure for creating student podcasts. The author, Tony Vincent, gives in-depth instructions as well as detailed explanation for those teachers who will be creating their first collaborative podcast. He includes procedures for pre-production, recording, post-production, and publishing. In addition, he offers multiple links for further explanation and definitions. He also gives some simple ideas for podcasting that most teachers could use.

[|Podcasts in the Mathematics Classroom]
As a writing teacher, I found myself thinking about podcast applications for my classroom. This article, by Stephanie Chasteen, is a great resource for math teachers. She provides numerous links to math and education podcasts. What is worthwhile for any content-area teacher are her guidelines for making podcasts. She raises some really good points regarding the importance of content over production and the idea of not podcasting for the sake of podcasting. In the end, as we all probably know, the curriculum is the core. She is an educator who would most likely agree that technology does not replace instruction, but instead enhances it.

[|Apple - Education - Teachers & Professors - Profiles]
What would a wiki page on the use of iPods in the classroom be without a visit to iTunes? While there is an obvious agenda to sell the next Mac or Apple product, this page provides numerous resources for educators. Not only does Apple introduce podcasting in simple terms, they also introduce the reader to iTunes U; an excellent place to find a large selection of educational podcasts. In addition, Apple provides a series of short videos about the use of technology in the classroom. Although there isn't a specific podcasting focus, there are numerous examples of how to connect students to instruction.

[|There's Something in the Air - Podcasting in Education]
Gardner Campbell's article goes into depth describing each of the steps of podcasting. A professor of poetry, Campbell begins the article with the narrative of 'Jenny', showing how the podcast has become intertwined with her life. He also illustrates his own use of podcasting in his class. In addition, Campbell gives a brief history of the not-so-new medium as well as giving a great deal of credit to MTV's Adam Curry for his role as a podcasting pioneer. The author explains some of the philosophy surrounding podcasting along with some of the debate. For example, one argument he explores is the idea of the passive versus active listener. Some argue that since there is no control over delivery speed, audio education involves passive listening. He argues that any good listener can pause, rewind, and repeat as needed, thereby becoming active.