A refresher,
To the nube, a podcast is simply an audio or video file available on the internet. You can either download them to your computer or listen/watch them on the internet.
iTunes is an excellent source for podcasts, with literally thousands to choose from. However, it is not the only place to find them. Podcastalley.com is another great website that allows you to subscribe or download podcasts as well. Many of your favorite websites also offer podcasts. ESPN.com has various links to podcast versions of their shows and reporters. Likewise, many blogs have links that allow you to download podcasts as well.
Oh, the possibilities,
Imagine having access to lectures, presentations, interviews, discussions, and programs from such sources as Duke, MIT, NPR, ESPN, CNN, TED, Wallstreet Journal, and 60 Minutes.
These podcasts can be used to supplement a lesson, to review a concept or process, or simply for professional development.
For example, I have had students watch podcasts created by a literature professor from Missouri State University. These are pretty basic: he simply has his lectures videotaped and then uploads to iTunes U, where they are made available for free.
Podcasts are also great for students because they can easily download them to their mp3 players in a matter of seconds and have access to them wherever they go.
What to do . . . what to do?
Using podcasts is simple: select a podcast and hit ‘download.’ It will automatically download to your computer. If you choose a podcast from iTunes, it will immediately be downloaded to your iTunes library where it will be found in your podcast folder.
Here is one of my favorites from iTunes
You can either hit subscribe and have all the podcasts downloaded to your computer or you can scroll down and select specific podcasts that you find interesting.
Here is a podcast from TED that looks good.
Simply click on it and the podcast will play automatically or click on "get" and it will be downloaded to your computer. It will be stored in your iTunes library under the "podcast" category.
When it is downloaded, it is ready to play.
If you wish, plug in your iPod, sync it, and you have the podcast on your iPod.
Our challenge to you.
Possibility #1 - Search podcastalley.com or iTunes for a podcast that is relevant to one of your classes. Then use it in class.
Possibility #2 - Turn your students loose to scour the internet to find podcasts relevant to what they are studying in your class. Have them come in with the results and share them with the class.
Possibility #3 - Even if this is something that is just not for your classes, search for a podcast that is interesting or entertaining and share it in your blog.
Where to Start?
Here are some of my personal favorites --
Dan Carlin's hardcore history. Great resource for you history buffs out there.
Here is a series of short (60 seconds or so) video podcast that offers tips and tricks for Macs and Mac applications. Very helpful.
Remember the good old days of lecture classes in college? Here you go. Dr. Clark Closser has filmed all class sessions from his intro level American Lit course at Missouri State University.
John Merrow offers some of the best interviews and documentaries in education. These podcasts are no longer updated on iTunes, but you can download them from his website Learning Matters. Want to know more about Race to the Top? Or what Michelle Rhee has been up to in Washington DC? Or watch documentaries on NCLB and A Nation at Risk? It's all there for you.
Points of discussion for your blog:
- Did you find anything relevant or interesting?
- Are podcasts something you could incorporate into your classes?
- How might podcasts enhance your students learning?
- Is this the future of education? Duke, MIT, Stanford and others post many classes and discussion on line via iTunes U.
- It is not difficult to create your own podcast. If you had the opportunity, would you create your own podcast(s) for use in your classes?
- How might this impact your classes and students?
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