Comments on: Classroom as Podcast Studio

By: Smith-Jones

Smith-Jones — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:15:13 +0000

I like the idea because it forces us to preview the learning options through the lenses of students. Students in middle and high schools love podcasting.

By: Sally Shumard

Sally Shumard — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:11:33 +0000

What a great idea! Building a podcast studio can be a starting point for project-based learning, collaborative teaching, outcomes-based assessment, and modeling 21st Century teaching and learning for the entire school community.

John: I’m sure you’ve looked into this already, so can you point us to a school that has implemented a program like this successfully? If there are any models of best practices out there, I’m sure you’ve discovered them!

By: Eric Albright

Eric Albright — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:19:26 +0000

I think that this is an excellent idea in terms of inspiring creativity and ownership in a student’s education. There would certainly be a learning curve involved and significant training needed for teachers in order to make them competent enought in teaching students how to use the technology efficiently. Obviously, as our society heads more and more down the digital highway, this type of educational tool will be easier to use as all students will be more proficient in using computers from an earlier age. Of course, we need to be careful to not lose too much teacher mentorship in the classroom - students need textbook knowledge but also knowledge of human interactions.

By: Tina

Tina — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:18:24 +0000

I picture this as a classroom of the near future. Students would have ownership of and pride in learning. However, I think that it cannot be the only form of learning. I am one who believe sin happy mediums.

This teacher would need to be forward thinking, technologically savy, creative and energetic. All information must be closely monitored.

The challenges would be to keep all students focused, on a timeline and to keep all equipment working properly. There must be a great deal of tech support for the teacher and students.

Students think differently than we do, are technologically aware and relate to their peers!

By: Terri Nunes

Terri Nunes — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:16:58 +0000

Teachers and Students Collaborating as Project Coordinator and Production Engineers?

The Lesson Plan as Creative Project using the technology so favored by the wired i-generation in my 4th grade classroom?

The benefits far outway the hurdles.

In exchange? Students who feel encouragement and engagement!

OK. iBite

By: Debi

Debi — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:14:44 +0000

John,

I think having students produce podcasts is a wonderful learning tool. But having it replace textbooks?? Come on John, you know that textbooks are only as good as the authors that write them. Do we really want 5th graders teaching each other? What about misinformation? Will the teachers have time to edit and make sure that all information is factual and accurate? I like the idea of projects. But only with a lot of teacher direction. But, I only teach 1st grade and know their limitations.