Podcasts are digital 'episodes' that can be watched or listened to easily, uploaded onto iPods, and are easily created. Shamburg (2009) stresses the importance of students learning through this technology, rather than simply learning how to make podcasts (a common theme in e-learning).
JISC (n.d.) define e-learning in general as "learning facilitated and supported through the use of information and communications technology [ICT]." (para. 1). This suggests a focus on learning and skill acquisition taking place through the use of ICT; a key point as some teachers may wrongly assume e-learning to simply be the process of learning to use the technological components correctly. Of course it can be a "discrete subject taught in schools to equip students for the workforce, but, more importantly, [it] can be used a a means to transform learning and teaching." (Finger, Russell, Jamieson-Proctor & Russell, 2007, p. 74) through all curriculum areas. Podcasting is a great technology that allows students to present and share what they have learned, their opinions etc. with the focus clearly on the learning.
According to Shamburg (2009), podcasting is:
- Accessible
- Powerful
- Inexpensive
- Authentic
- A way of encouraging active participation in our society
- Ideally the result of research, reflection and risk taking.
"Real-world activities connect to student interests and powerful ideas" (Shamburg, 2009, p. 10); when podcasting and these real-world activities combine, effective learning can really take place.
I've seen podcasting used successfully in classrooms (both with images and voice/sound only) but haven't used it myself yet... I'm more motivated than ever to give it a go with my students, and hope to have them take photos themselves for the presentations to add another aspect.
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