Podcasts in the Classroom
I would like to experiment with podcasting with mu 5th graders this year, but I don’t know much about it. I came across this lesson plan while browsing the Website: EdTech, Focus on K-12. There are also many other links about podcasting on this site.
LESSON DESCRIPTION: Students create a podcast of what they’ve learned.
Radio WillowWeb is a Web site can collect students’ podcasts, and produce them for other students, educators and family members to listen to. Topics for podcasts may be selected by the teacher, but often are a result of student enthusiasm for a unit of study. Teachers follow these steps to create their podcasts:
* Students learn the format of a podcast and plan what content they will include.
* Working in small groups or with the whole class, students develop an outline.
* Students practice reading their scripts to other students.
* Recording takes place outside the classroom; the technology teacher edits the content and publishes it on the school’s Web site.
SUBJECT AREA: Reading and writing are the most obvious curricular connections. Depending on the topic, the podcast can include any other unit the students are studying.
RESOURCES: Students need access to the Web and print materials for research. Willowdale uses digital audio recording software to record and enhance podcasts. The only other necessary equipment is a USB headset microphone. To complete publishing, you need access to a Web server. A podcast requires a Web page and an RSS feed.
These Web sites include reference and tutorial assistance:
* Educational consultant Tony Vincent’s Web site has a download for the planning sheets used for Radio WillowWeb, as well as step-by-step instructions for creating podcasts.
* Educational author Dan Schmit provides general information about podcasting in the classroom.www.
Teaching Tips:
(from Cathy Greenwald, technology specialist at Willowdale Elementary School in Omaha, Neb.)
* To create PC podcasts, the free software Audacity is recommended for recording. Making the music requires additional software.
* Publicize your podcast by advertising it on your school’s home page. Expand your audience by submitting the Web address of your RSS feed to podcast directories.
* Try to keep the podcast 10 minutes or shorter, especially if your audience is elementary school students.
http://www.edtechmag.com/k12/issues/april-may-2007/lesson-plans-i.html
http://snipurl.com/3ftmo
