Thing 14: Podcasting

I have known about pod casting for awhile now but haven't yet downloaded any onto my ipod. I'll use time as an excuse, but it is a pretty lame one!

I really like the concept that learners can re listen/review the parts of a lecture or lesson on their own as many times as they need to. I was really drawn to the idea that teachers are using pod casts in the classroom and connecting it to the writing process. What a fantastic way for students to prewrite, revised, rehearse and the present to an authentic audience.

I also really liked the podcast concept of doing professional development with them. Downloading speakers or district experts to a podcast and then having teachers listen in would be a powerful and time saving option.

I narrowed down my list of favorite pod casts to two...the first one I enjoyed was the Radio Willow Web project using all the grades from Kindergarten to High School. I really try to look for authentic activities for kids to do and this would be a great collaborating activity.

I also loved, as a parent, the podcast that Math Grad did with Everyday Math...I have always worried about the point in time when the Everyday Math will be difficult for my kids (and me explaining). What a great tool to have available at home or anywhere!!!

As I was sitting on the hill watching my boys take swimming lessons this summer, I noticed how good the teachers were at differentiating their instruction. When my little one was ready for the diving board before the other kids, he got to go and jump off. When my older son needed extra practice with a stroke, that is what they worked on. It was really simple. What they could do, they did and then moved on...what they struggled with or were ready for a challenge, they got!!! Pod casting is a form of differentiating...and one that we could really use to our advantage. We shouldn't just let all the kids jump into the deep end on a few lessons about swimming and then see who swims or sinks...we should give each child what they need when they are ready.

I guess that is why I want to investigate working with pod casts in the classroom. I am excited to explore more ways to help level the playing field for all our students!!!