Ideas for Using Podcasts
Recording audio has been around for a long time. However, the ready availability of digital recorders and recorders right in our computers has made it much easier in recent years. When these recordings are posted online they are known as PODCASTS. You can use these podcasts in many ways to enhance instruction, from having students access them for learning, or having them create and post their own.
Sources for Audio & Digital Podcasts
The best place for "one stop shopping" for podcasts remains iTunes. You can find a directory of what's available organized by subject here. You may not be able to access these at work, since iTunes is often blocked by filters, but there is a download option available and free conversion software to allow you to store these as stand alone files for use. Most are also available through their parent sites. Search for a media outlet with "podcast" in your search to see if anything is available for download.
ITUNES DIRECTORY -- EDUCATION/K12
The Princeton Review Vocabulary Minute (SAMPLE)
Grammar Girl (SAMPLE)
CNN Student News -- Video (SAMPLE)
Last Minute Book Reports (SAMPLE)
ITUNES DIRECTORY -- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Writer's Almanac (SAMPLE)
Houghton Mifflin Poetry Podcast (SAMPLE)
Metropolitan Museum of Art Podcasts (SAMPLE)
Guided by History -- Wells Fargo Museum (SAMPLE)
ITUNES DIRECTORY -- NEWS & POLITICS
New York Times Front Page (SAMPLE)
News Hour with Jim Lehrer (SAMPLE)
Digital Debates -- National Constitution Center (SAMPLE)
New York Times Backstory (SAMPLE)
ITUNES DIRECTORY -- SCIENCE & MEDICINE
Discovery News (SAMPLE)
NOVA Science Now (SAMPLE)
This Week @ NASA - Audio and Video (SAMPLE audio) (SAMPLE video)
Science Channel Features (SAMPLE)
Ask an Astronomer -- Video (SAMPLE)
Tips for Using Podcasts in the Classroom
ENGAGEMENT/BELL RINGERS --
Have a student responsible for running the podcast just after the bell has rung.
Look for short podcasts of not more then 4-5 minutes in length.
Alternate audio only and video podcasts for activities.
Assign students the responsibility of finding new podcasts to use
Use this as a time to highlight student generated podcasts.
REFERENCE MATERIALS --
Locate and download podcasts you want to use for easy access.
Provide a set of bookmarks for students to use at home.
Consider space and time -- are these best used with the whole class or small groups.
Will it be helpful for you to provide or download a transcript?
TUTORIAL OPTIONS --
Use as a student project option (i.e. develop a podcast on the topic for a younger audience)
Provide as an option for homebound students.
Include a graphic organizer or some form of guidance for students to insure concepts are fully explored.
FINAL PROJECTS --
Can be used for shy or homebound students instead of open presentations.
Make this a project option for some of the less technically skilled students.
View "Present at the Creation" for a sample project.
More information:
| Educational Podcasting Network | Excellent directory of educational podcasts for download organized by subject. |
| Jake Ludington's Media Blab | School safe blog with many tips on equipment and how to record your own podcasts. |
| Pod Cast Alley | |
| Podcast Directory | Well organized index of podcasts from all subjects. WARNING -- Preview this list as all are not educational in nature. |
| Podcasting | Provides tips on how to integrate podcasts into your classroom and links to help find them. |
| Podcasts for Educators | Searchable index of audio and video podcasts from many subjects. Originates in the UK, so make sure you can understand the accents! |
