Podcasting in Education

Podcasting can be described simply as broadcasting on a personal, portable level. In other words, users can make items, such as videos and audio clips and share them, or they can view or listen to another user's items, or podcasts. These podcasts can also be downloaded and viewed at a later time. This could be a great tool within the classroom. Within education, there are always two perspectives - the teachers' and the students'.


From a teachers' perspective, podcasting has great potential in enriching the learning experience for students. One possible use could be using it to explain methods. Some classes this might be particularly helpful for would be chemistry and math. These podcasts would have to be video podcasts in order to allow the students to see and better understand what you are trying to convey. Another use may be posting lessons/lectures. This would be especially beneficial for students who may not be present for the lesson. Instead of trying to borrow someone's notes, absent students would be able to use the podcasts in order to catch up on the materials they missed. Posting your lessons may also present an additional study tool.


From a student's perspective, podcasting presents a few entertaining learning opportunities. I actually used podcasting for a biology project in high school. I don't remember exactly what the assignment required, but we did use podcasting. One way in which podcasting would definitely benefit students' learning would be in language classes, such as Spanish or German. Students could use podcasting to practice pronouncing and/or speaking the language they are learning. Teachers could even give students podcast assignments. This would allow the students to practice and the teacher to see where his/her students are with the material. Another way in which students could utilize podcasting may be in creating oral or video reports. Not only would this enhance the students' understanding of the material, but it may also present ways in which other students in the class could learn the content.


The three podcasting tools I used this past week were:

• Audacity: This tool allows you to create and edit audio recordings. You can carry out tasks such as cropping your recording, embedding sound effects into your clip, deleting portions of your audio, and much more. This tool is free to download here. 
• iTunes: In this day and age, who isn't familiar with iTunes? This is Apple's media management tool that allows it's users to download, use, and share media, including podcasts, music, and videos. iTunes is also free to download here. 
• AudioBoo: As it's title alludes, this website is limited to creating only audio podcasts. It allows you to set up an online account through which you can create and save you're recordings. You can also share these podcasts by embedding them or by sharing the link to your creation. You can sign up for a free account here. 

Below, you will find two examples of podcasts created using the three tools explained previously. This first example was created through the utilization of iTunes and AudioBoo. First, I listened to a podcast from iTunes. I then used AudioBoo to create an oral summary of the very podcast I listened to. The name of the podcast show was Everyday Einstein's Quick and Dirty Tips for Making Sense of Science. I listened to episode 18 entitled The Human Genome.

listen to ‘Podcast Summary’ on Audioboo

This second example was created with Audacity alone. In order to create this podcast, I recorded Shel Silverstein's poem Early Bird. I then cropped this recording and inserted music and sound effects. This tool is very useful in allowing it's users to create and edit podcasts that flow smoothly when done correctly. Unfortunately, Audacity can only accomplish audio podcasts.

listen to ‘Audacity Upload’ on Audioboo