I sure am taking a huge leap into the pool of technology this week by participating in my first real blog, and by exploring and learning all about podcasts! Topics in which I have little experience! After looking over the suggested readings I was amazed to learn all the versatile ways in which podcasts can, and are, being used in schools. As Kristin Fontichiaro noted in her article, podcasting can help improve reading fluency, writing skills, encourage higher-order thinking, and technology for students in fun ways! I feel like I'm just scratching the surface of understanding podcasting and their possibilities.
If a teacher approached me about starting a podcast for his class, I would be honest and tell him as much as I know on the topic. Although I am not an expert, I would look at this opportunity as a chance for him and me to learn together. To begin, I would encourage him to explore the websites and podcasts of successfully established podcasting classes and schools. We could discuss the goals he had for his class's podcast and review a list of equipment needed to begin the project. Podcasting could be used to record book reviews/recommendations by students or interviews with teachers and administrators about upcoming school events and projects for the daily school news. Podcasts could be used by older students to help assist younger students with instructions and guidance about school equipment and procedures. They can also be used by students for presenting completed projects in classroom settings.
I think there would be a lot of trial and error before the podcasting was successfully established, but as a media specialists it is important to collaborate with teachers, promote use of the media center’s equipment, and support the teachers’ classroom teaching. Perhaps by working with this teacher, others may be encouraged to use the media center and media specialist’s services, both for themselves and their students.
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5 comments:
If teachers were aware of how many GPS they could cover through the use of podcasts, their interest would definitely be piqued. And, we all know, how important reading, writing, and speaking skills are; they impact every subject in school, as well as success outside of school. Kids would likely find podcasts to be fun and cool. They allow students to be the stars of their own show. As LMS, we do, though, need to find a way to simplify the process of getting podcasts started and to provide encouragement and support as teachers take the time to forge into uncharted territory.
I did not even think about how helping get podcasting underway might encourage others to use the media specialist and media center. I really struggle with getting teachers into the media center, especially teachers in math and science. However, podcasting, in my opinion, would appeal to those teachers, as well. I also think that it is important that you noted the collaboration that would have to occur between the both of you so that you fully understand the final outcome that the teacher desires. Well done!
Hollie, I agree with you that we are all new to this type of technology. Because it is so new, I believe teachers would approach media specialists with loads of questions about the uses in the classroom. This will be something that we all have to learn together. Most likely our students will know more than us, but, students can make great teachers too! I hope that podcasting is used as a learning tool and not a replacement of the classroom. How about you?
Dorina
I think that honesty is good if the LMS is not familiar with the technology because you dont want the teacher to think that you are an expert and you aren't. Teaching the staff about podcasting will be a team exploration as you mentioned. The collaboration with teachers would certainly increase if they receive step by step directions on how to start a podcast, or after in-service workshops were conducted on that topic.
Hollie, I feel the same way that you do, that we are learning a lot of new technology and things that I don't have any experience with. This is all new for me too, but it is so exciting to see what is out there and what other teachers are doing. It always makes me feel like I am not doing enough. But it also excites me at the possibilities that are out there!
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