Tips for Using Free Podcasts in Class
I was recently inspired by an article Camilla Gagliolo, a contact from Arlington County wrote, alongside Craig Nansen about using science podcasts in the classroom. It appeared in the September/October edition of Leading and Learning with Technology. In fact, they’ve set up a wiki where you can explore some of their recommended podcasts online. These include podcasts for mathematics and science, for a range of age levels.
So… how would I use these?
Great question! I was thinking about the best strategies for using podcasts in and outside of the classroom. Before I give you some of my “tips,” let’s be sure we know what a podcast is.
A podcast is a multimedia file, usually in audio or video format, that is delivered to your computer with the help of an “aggregator.” The best one in my eyes is iTunes. You’ve got that. You’re set.
“John, but I thought podcasts were for iPods?” Yes, you can use iTunes to transfer these free audio or video files to your iPod to listen to away from your computer. But you could just as easily burn them to CD, listen to them on the computer, or link to them on your blog.
So, how might we start??
Tips for Using Podcasts
Background Chatter
Since we have speakers and Promethean boards in the middle school, you could have some select podcasts playing as kids come into the room… you could also have them play during times when you’ve assigned seat work. While some teachers to play the radio during more quiet work time, why not make it curriculum-aligned material?
Use it in lieu of a Reading Assignment
You can assign listening/watching a podcast, with associated questions, instead of a reading assignment. This will differentiate the type of media you use in the room, but can also spark some discussion when used with kids in small groups. You could even use groups to assign different podcasts, and have the groups report-back later about what they heard. And—you might just inspire them to do their own podcasts in groups, later on.
Use Them as Enrichment
Not every student has a multimedia computer at home. But those that do? Casually link to podcast episodes you like on your blog, and let folks know this is “good stuff.” Some kids might just make the connection to the podcasts you play as “background chatter” to the opportunities they have at home.
Show me your iPod!
Be careful with this one—but you might consider asking students to find a subject-related podcast and loading several episodes on their own iPod from home. You don’t want to give credit points or any special reward, but it might be just one way students show you they are self-learners on their own outside of school.
Use Our iPods
The high school and middle school media centers have iPod kits you can borrow. These 10-iPod sets can be loaded with your favorite podcasts and passed out in class to be used. Use these podcasts “on the go” as opportunities for differentiation.
Show a Podcast in your Flipchart
You can embed Quicktime files into Promethean flipcharts, and into Keynote and PowerPoint presentations. Enhance, or break-up a lesson, with multimedia. For best effect, chop up the podcast episode into smaller chunks and use it throughout a longer presentation.
Use Podcasts on Laptops
You don’t need iPods—remember? You can also use laptops to distribute and watch podcast episodes. As students watch, they can draw diagrams to show their comprehension of the episode, they can teach others the concepts covered in the podcasts, and they can apply what the podcast episode communicates through an extension activity.
Listen on your own…
Try burning episodes to compact disc. For homework, students can generate questions the podcasts raise and then you can use these questions in class to lead a class discussion.
Use them as Examples
Watch a podcast together in class and use it as an example, or template, for students making their own in small groups. Keep the expectations high. Define an audience… write-out a script. Collect artifacts for visuals. Practice. Finally, students can record and publish their creations through your blog.
At any rate, teachers and enthusiasts today are sharing podcasts! Check them out to determine how they can help you and your students.
Other Podcasts
You’ll find other great podcasts beyond math and science. Teach secondary English? Check out Grammar Girl. Teach a world language? Find free French and Spanish podcasts. Technology? Current events? Politics? Find hundreds of education podcasts online through iTunes. By clicking on a podcast of interest, you can grab as many episodes as you like, or subscribe to the current and all future episodes.
For older students, consider browsing the section called iTunes University for online college courses, lectures, and more! More? Yes, a new initiative is putting iTunesU in K-12 schools. Check out the growing K-12 resources available!
