Podcasting

= Podcasting - (Team Activity)  =

Introduction:
We have learned, from earlier sessions, that there are a wide variety of Web 2.0 technologies available to support teachers educating K-12 learners. For example, virtual classrooms and desktop video conferencing are developing technologies that enable participants to hold face-to-face or voice sessions over the Internet, thus adding real-time audio and video to the mix. Another tool that is more frequently being implemented both inside and outside the classroom setting is podcasting.

Podcasting is a method of distributing multimedia files such as lectures, programs, or music for playback on mobile devices as well as personal computers. Through podcasting, learning can occur outside of the school or home setting. Podcasting, or the creation and delivery of a Web-based broadcast or broadcast series, allows an instructor to deliver a lecture or series of lectures to learners anytime and anywhere. Donnelly and Berge (2006) describe some of the benefits of podcasting. They state, “podcasting has the ability to deliver voice content on demand, thereby allowing an opportunity for increased learner control over what is learned when and further allowing the learner to multi-task and time-shift as learning occurs.” As you work towards completing the following activities during this session, take careful consideration of the many characteristics and components that are evident in an effective podcast. While the benefits to podcasting seem very worthwhile for learners of all ages and abilities, are there any potential drawbacks or flaws with this K12 web tool?

During this session, you and your team will analyze, critique, and produce an example of a podcast for K-12 teaching and learning purposes.

Please begin by viewing the following reading, slideshows, and videos on podcasting and its benefits for the K12 e-learner. Take careful consideration of the steps and guidelines that go into producing a podcast, as you and your team will have to create one for this activity.

Required Readings: media type="custom" key="3518314"
A slideshow explaining what a podcast is, how to access podcasts on the Internet, the benefits to podcasting, things to podcast, and how to make your own podcast. As you read, take note of how podcasts are used to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of content material. Notice the different ways (interview, radio broadcast, etc.) students can deliver information using a podcast.

media type="custom" key="3518322"Another slideshow defining podcasting, including free software available to podcast, and examples of podcasts. Download and listen to both examples of podcasts (student and teacher) and notice the differences of how each is created. What makes each podcast effective and unique?

media type="youtube" key="y-MSL42NV3c" width="425" height="350" A short video introduction to Podcasting and how it's different from broadcasting.

o[|Podcasting in five easy steps] This video will show you how anyone can start their own podcasts in five easy steps.

o Palloff and Pratt, pp 89-90 and 273 only These chapters provide an overview of podcasting and it’s role in the education of K12 students.

Optional Readings:
o [|"BISD Students and Teacher Use Web 2.0 Tools for Profound Learning by All"] Early adopters of blogs, wikis, and podcasting have talked about the value of Web 2.0 tools in education for a many years. Birdville ISD is leading the way among educators who are beginning to discover the power of Web 2.0.

o [|"The K-12 Web 2.0 Debate: Learning to Communicate"]by Ruth Reynard While there is quite a lot being written about Web 2.0 tools and how they can increase opportunities for students to engage with content, their peers, and teachers, more must be explored in terms of the skill benefits to students when these tools are used effectively. - Christopher Sessums

Directions:
1. Be sure that you have carefully reviewed all the assigned readings before attempting this activity.

2. Carefully review the guidelines and requirements for creating your own podcast.

Guidelines and requirements for creating a team podcast: • Create a podcast detailing the important characteristics apparent in an effective podcast. • Think of a creative scenario to present your podcast. • Examples: ✔ Teacher / Student ✔ Principal / Teacher ✔ Doctor / Patient ✔ Parent / Child ✔ Teacher / Parent ✔ Newscaster ✔ Seminar ✔ Organization • Limit the presentation to 2 minutes

3. In the discussion forum on ELC, "Podcasting Discussion", collaborate with your team and create posts identifying important characteristics apparent in podcasts. Determine what components make a podcast effective, what the advantages are for learners, and any drawbacks or limitations to the platform. Engage in a discussion with your teammates. Your initial post is due by April 17, 2009.

4. Create your own podcast using the guidelines and requirements for creating a podcast as a guide. Upload your finished podcast to the discussion forum on ELC by April 23, 2009. Your finalized podcast must be in mp3 format. o As a recommendation, it is suggested that you use [|Audacity] as a guide for creating your podcast. Audacity is a free software application that does basic audio recording, sound effects, and can convert tapes and records into digital files. As a side note, you can also create podcasts in GarageBand, iMovie, or in Movie Maker (if you use PC).

5. After posting your examples of podcasts to the discussion forum, listen to the podcasts that your peers have created. Provide feedback to the other group members in your team. Using the Peer Feedback 3-2-1 Guidelines, create meaningful posts and provide feedback to your team members on their podcasts. Provide feedback to every one of your teammates by April 26, 2009. Peer Feedback 3-2-1 Guidelines
 * Identify three strengths of each team member's podcast
 * Identify two improvement areas
 * Ask one clarifying question

Throughout the duration of this session, engage in a discussion with your team about their progress with understanding podcasts. 