Adventures in Podcasting! By: Gloria Darlington

Uncharted Territory I have heard podcasts mentioned before I joined STEP. However, I did not really know what they were. I was one of those people who thought you had to have an IPod to listen to them. I had so much to learn!

Podcast #1 Grammar Girl was the first podcast I actually was able to sit through. It grabbed me right away with her witty banter and her useful hints. Her clear speech and her obvious knowledge and command of the English Language makes it a wonderfully interesting Podcast.

Description The episode I listened to was a Halloween one, describing the difference between “which” and “that.” (I never really thought about there being a difference, so I learned something). I felt like the lesson was slightly confusing, but useful. I don’t have a strong background in grammar, so I couldn’t process all of the information she was giving me. But I did learn the word “that” should be used in a restrictive clause and “which” in a non-restrictive clause.

Application I think that this information could be good in Language Arts classes or with RELL’s (Recently Exited Language Learners) to help them adjust to English Grammar. It may go over some students’ heads. But I think that there is a lot of potential. If I were to use it in my class, it would be to help students in the editing process of their writing. If I notice that students are making some grave grammatical errors, they could listen to the podcasts and then practice the grammar rules in their writing. (

Podcast #2 I chose it because, as a former History Major, I have a special place in my heart for quirky historical facts. The second podcast that I listened to was called Stuff You Missed in History Class.

Description The podcast sounded like a phone conversation that you might hear between two friends. They joked back and forth, all while giving information on the topic of the births of Frankenstein and Dracula. The discussion took many side tracks and I had trouble focusing for the entire 20 minutes. This was also a Halloween episode. I guess I was in a scary kind of mood.

Application This podcast would be especially useful in Language Arts as well as the Social Studies classroom. If I were to use it, I would have students listen to the topic being discussed. In this case, it was how Percy Shelly, Mary Godwin and Lord Byron got in a scary story writing contest. From this, the story Frankenstein and Dracula were written. I would have my students work in a group to have a scary story writing competition to see if they can create any new characters that might haunt the night.

Podcast #3 I went through many podcasts before I settled on this one for #3. The host’s clear British accent and lilting voice made this podcast a must-listen.

Description The Storynory podcasts are a collection of short stories and folk tales from around the world. The one I listened to was called “The Watermelon Prince” and it was a folk tale from Vietnam. The text of the story is available on the website, and you can follow along as you listen. There is even a feature where you can post your own comments and have the site creator respond. Very useful!

Application This podcast could be used in both the Language Arts and ESOL classrooms. If I were to use it in my classroom, I would use it to help my lower readers. They would listen to the podcast and follow along with the words. Also, it could be a great tool in teaching storytelling. Students could re-tell stories from their own countries or research folk tales that share their roots.

Only 3?!?! I had trouble stopping at just 3 podcasts. There is so much information out there. I am swimming in ideas for my own podcasting potential. I can’t wait!

Images Used Microsoft Clip Art Microsoft Clip Art ms=stuff+you+missed+in+history+class ms=stuff+you+missed+in+history+class ms=stuff+you+missed+in+history+class ms=stuff+you+missed+in+history+class watermelon-prince/ watermelon-prince/