1. HEATHER MORIN MEDIA SPECIALIST HAHIRA MIDDLE SCHOOL BLOG: WWW.HMSMEDIA.WORDPRESS.COM Podcasting with Students and Teachers

2. Just what is a podcast? There are actually several types:  Podcast – An audio file posted to a website made available for individual download for later play through computer or handheld device.  Vodcast – A video file posted to a website made available for individual download for later play through computer or handheld device. Typically sites that feature podcasts (both video and audio) have means for letting individuals know when new podcasts are available for download (RSS).

3. Well, how would I ever use this at school? Teachers can use podcasting as a great presentation tool.  Have a student who is out? Record the day’s class and post it so he/she can listen to what was missed.  Have an upcoming quiz, test, midterm, or final? Record a review of material for students to download.  Have a book you’re about to assign to your class? Record a book talk to spark the students’ interest.  Have some students who just lose interest by the end of class? Record your closing comments, class review, and homework assigned to remind your students of the day.  Have kids who arrive late? Parents interested in school activities? Record and post the daily announcements.  Have a fund-raising activity? Record and post a public service announcement.  Have a detailed project or assignment upcoming? Record and post the details.

4. What about the students? Can they be involved? Podcasting makes a great alternative to or additional suggestion for culminating activities.  Tired of grading book reports? Let the students create book talks. Host a book club.  Want to spice up the writing process? Have students podcast their how-to papers.  Have students create travel podcasts about new countries.  Podcast student debates.  Have students turn PowerPoint presentations into podcasts.  Podcast student-created digital stories.  Podcast current events. Students will enjoy being able to use sound effects and drama to add flair to their projects.

5. Sounds good, but I’d like to listen to some first. Download and install iTunes.  Browse for podcasts (many are free).  Subscribe to those you like, and they’ll be automatically downloaded each time you open iTunes.  Download podcasts for listening to later or for sharing.  Listen to podcasts live (streaming). You do not have to have a Mac or iPod specifically to create or listen to podcasts.

6. OK. So how do I get started? Audacity is the simplest program to use and is available through a free download.  User friendly controls  Several tracks of audio  Save as either.wav or.mp3 (with a decoder download)