Listening to Podcasts

I listened to a large sampling of podcasts at EPN-The Educational Podcast Network. This is a great site to use as first exposure to podcasting because of the large variety of content. I was also enjoying the fact that these podcasts are from all around the world- I listened to some from Hong Kong and the UK!! I used this site as an introduction with my summer school podcasting class. Because of the large amount and variety, there are some terrific examples, but also some podcasts to use as "what not to do". Podcasts are divided into elementary, middle, and secondary as well as divisions by subject. The kids have come up with some very cute names: "Dream Extreme", "Club Kidcast", "Radio Popcorn", "Small Voices", and "Pod Jockeys". Some positives we found were that the podcasters were extremely enthusiastic and motivated within their broadcasts. This made listening to them more entertaining. Also, some of the shows incorporated music which added a more "professional" approach. Many students spoke clearly and fluently, which we knew meant they must have practiced a lot. They also had given themselves fun on-air dj type names. Some negatives were that some podcasts simply didn't work, others had no introduction so we didn't know what exactly we were listening to. Also, speaking skills are necessary- not too fast or too slow. Although podcasting is fun to use in the classroom, there is some work involved! We spent 4 days planning, setting up themes and formats, scripting everything that would be said, and of course PRACTICING! The kids had a blast! Some uses during the school year would be to broadcast projects that the kids have done. For example, our fourth graders do book reports/recommendations which could easily be broadcast to encourage others to read great books. They also do Powerpoint presentations on famous Wisconsinites, but they could do the oral version through a podcast, or turn their work into an interview format and have fun that way. Poetry readings and Reader's Theater would be more examples of use. This is a terrific way to build oral speaking skills along with fluent reading. The possibilities of utilizing podcasting in education are endless!!!