Podcasts in education

Podcasts are a great way to ensure different types of learners are getting the needed information in the classroom. Everywhere you go, you see a kid with their headphones on. They try to sneak it on in school, although many schools do not allow its use. By incorporating podcasts as a pat of the curriculum, students would be able to use their ipods or headphones to listen to class information via podcasts along with written information. The use of podcasts can also be beneficial to a student when presenting information. Many students have a fear of public speaking. Podcasting may be a way to alleviate that fear, and will be able to provide students a different way to communicate their information. The student will take more ownership in their education when they are producing their own quality work. These podcasts can then be shared with other members of the school, the parents, and the community. Learning no longer needs to be in the confines of a classroom setting.

Podcasting in the Classroom

This site gives great tips and information on using podcasts an how to promote learning using technology. There is a guide for teachers on how to incorporate podcasts, time allocation, and technology use. Technology skills are enhanced for those students who may be unfamiliar with the podcasting process.

Podcasts intend to 'enhance classroom setting'

This article, written by Vivian Giang for the University of Georgia’s independent school newspaper, redandblack.com, discusses the school’s integration of iTunes U for instruction. Students subscribe and are allowed free access to learning content. These podcasts allow for students to review class lectures that allows for more focus in the classroom.

Podcast trumps lecture in one college study

This article, by Dennis Carter for the eSchool News, discusses researchers findings that, “students who listened to a lecture via iTunes U outperformed those who attended in person.” The main reason for this finding is that students were able to listen to the lecture at their own pace, and to continue going back to certain sections when needed, AND with note taking. This also helps those students who have work or family commitments and are not always able to attend the classes.

Classroom Uses of Podcasts

This article, written by Tammy Andrew, explains ways teachers can use podcasts in the classroom setting. Some of these ways are by incorporating prerecorded podcasts, and creating new ones. These podcasts are available for students who may be absent in school that day.

Podcasts and Learning

This article explains how classes are using podcasts to supplement or replace traditional classes. It also explains how those not taking classes can subscribe to these podcasts for the simple point of learning new information.

Study: class podcasts can lead to better grades

This article, by Jacqui Cheung, explains research indicating greater classroom success when using podcasts to take notes rather than the traditional way of learning. Again, not only listening to the podcast at the students own rate lead to success, but also the note taking while listening was a major contributing factor.

Kay Sweester, an assistant professor in public relations, said, “"You shouldn't use technology for its sake… You should only use technology when it improves students' experiences." I agree with this statement 100 %. There is a lot of technology out there, and new pieces developed every day. As educators, it is our job to properly identify what is best for our classroom setting and what will help students succeed the most.