Audio / Podcasts in the Classroom

One of the focuses at my school is that we are a STEP (Science, Technology Education Program) school. We look at using technology and hands on learning on a regular basis in a variety of different manners. Below are a few of the ways that I have seen the use of audio and/or podcasting used at our school, or at other schools in my board that I have had an opportunity to see/hear. 

1) Jing – while Jing is really an image/video capture software, the science department at my school has also been incorporating audio into the mix. Specifically, one of my teachers has used Jing to record his computer screen, but also his narrative, so that students can review an explanation over and over without having to contact the teacher directly. 

Here is an example of how he has used it in his classroom: 

http://ww2.rainbowschools.ca/~luomat/FOV2-00128520/FOV2-00145951/FOV2-00145952/S0716037E-0716037E.5/p.50%2310.swf

2) Book Chats (podcast) – students in our English classrooms have been using Podchats to discuss books. These can happen as whole class events, small group chats, or even independent podcasts. The topics vary, but are often related to a book that they are covering in class: which characters they like/dislike, imagery or themes from the book, or they can even discuss the plot of the book itself. Teachers have found this to be successful in their classrooms, as it gives them an opportunity to assess students using conversations rather than product. 

3) Interview with a Boomer – our history classes often do a podcast that they refer to as ‘Interview with a Boomer.’ Students are directed to find and interview a baby boomer – someone born in the baby boomer generation, so typically a parent, grandparent, family friend, teacher or administrator. They are told to have ten questions to ask the interviewee, of which some are prescribed, and some are their own. This is a unique activity because it allows students some creativity over the questions they ask, and every answer is going to be a bit different.

4) Vocabulary – our French department has students create podcasts that include new vocabulary words that they have learned. They are required to make sentences or be conversational with their podcast, which helps them practice their language skills in the classroom. An example of something similar can be found here: http://www.princetonreview.com/vocab-minute.aspx (note: this is not from my school, as I do not have any content to share)

Finally, the example below is not something that we have incorporated at our school, but it seems like an interesting idea that I might like to incorporate into a class in the future.

5) Communication with parents, students, and other teachers – Teachers could broadcast a monthly update to parents, teachers, and students about the types of math lessons and activities that will be the focus of the coming month. They could also include important dates, homework and major assignment reminders.