Podcasting in the Classroom: Useful or Useless? Help or Hinderance?

Podcasting . . . what exactly is it?  Technically different than merely posting files on the web, it is a means of publishing audio and video content on the web as a series of episodes with a common theme.  Many schools are utilizing the means of podcasting in three main ways.  The most common being creating audio or video archives of classroom lectures.  Another way of implementing educational podcasting involves the delivery of supplemental course materials, usually designed to be listened to before coming to class.  Lastly, many instructors use podcasts in a creative way by developing assignments for the students in which they are required to make and submit their own podcasts.

 

Image acquired from jagoe.ca

 

 

So, the million dollar question is . . . does podcasting enhance education?

 

 

Speaking from the perspective of a K4 teacher, I could use podcasting to help me differentiate and enhance my teaching for those who are struggling in the classroom, to those students that are considered "average," as well as for the "advanced" students.  What are some ways a teacher can do that? 

 

For the struggling student, a classroom podcast could be used as a way for the them to take the content in again, in the hopes that it would help them gain a better understanding of the lesson. A supplemental podcast for the struggling student might bring the content to them from a different tack and help them grasp the material. Podcasts would also allow for the parent of the struggling student to be a part of the learning process for their child. The material would be made available for them to use at home, and to review with their child at their convenience.

 

As for the "average" student, a classroom podcast could be used as a review of the material at the end of each unit. It would also be a medium through which their parents could be informed about what they are learning in the classroom. Because, let's be real . . . what do most kids say when asked by their parent, "What did you do/learn at school today?" Frequently the answer is, "I don't know." Or, my personal favorite, which my own children have used on more than one occasion: "Nothing." Being a teacer, I know that not to be true, so I would've loved the opportunity to have watched a podcast of one of their lessons. 

 

The "advanced" student, who doesn't need reinforcement or review, can watch a supplemental podcast to  take them farther in the lesson than the rest of the students could go.  These students could be assisted in putting together a "mini review podcast" of the lesson, from their perspective, for the other students to watch. This would be a great opportunity for them to begin understanding how technology works in addition to reinforcing the content. As a parent, it would be exciting to see them complete an activity like this.

                   

                                                                                Image acquired from www.army.mil

 

In addition to what we've already discussed, there are a couple of other advantages to podcasts in the classroom.  One would be for those students who had missed class for whatever reason.  They could watch the podcast at home and have the opportunity to get back on track in a quick manner.  This would keep them from getting behind in their work, and in staying up with the curriculum with the rest of the class.  Beyond that, students who generally process information a bit more slowly than the majority of the class can use podcasts to re-watch the lesson at their own pace.  They would have the ability to pause the podcast, and also re-watch particular portions until they understood what was being taught.  Both uses would be advantages producing win-win situations.

 

 Image acquired from mcdonaldroad.org.

 

In closing, as a Christian, something I think about is biblical principles that are important when it comes to establishing rules in, as well as outside of, the classroom in regards to the use of technology related to my particular classroom.   The Bible would obviously not specifically say, "Thou shall/shalt not allow technology in thy classroom."  So, what DOES the Bible say that I could apply to this situation?  The Bible is very clear when it comes to what it says about living a life that is obedient to God and is God-honoring.  Very vital aspects in living that life would include the use of discernment, self-control, restraint, good judgement and accountability.  These are things I would need to keep in mind as I establish rules in regards to technology that my students would be expected to follow both inside and outside the classroom.

 

Some Scriptures that I need to personally keep in mind, are:

 

Titus 2:12 "It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age . . . "

 

Phillipians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."

 

James 3:1 "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."

 

Online Games for the Classroom

In learning more about the use of technology in the classroom I am seeing more positive reasons to integrate online educational games with the curriculum in order to enhance the learning process for the students.  Many parents are doubtful when it comes to the benefits of online gaming.  Be that as it may, researchers have established that when balanced and supervised properly, students learning can be aided greatly in this way. 

Although I know that this is a controversial topic, as a mom, and as a teacher of pre-kindergarten aged children, I too see the benefits of online educational games.  I'd like to share several of my favorites with you.  Have your child try them, and see what you think. I've also included a link below, and some benefits of online games for children.  Enjoy!  Let me know your thoughts.  How do you stand on the topic of online gaming in education?

Some of My Favorite Online Educational Games

*Find the Pair

Student finds and then clicks on the matching pair.  They have the opportunity to go from level 1 to level 10.  In the classroom this game could be used as supplemental material to help the students learn how to create pairs, and assist in learning how to count.

http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/games/find-the-pair.aspx

* The New One

Student selects the object that wasn't there before.  This game is an excellent mental challenge.  "The New One" could be used in the classroom, once again, as supplemental material.  This game ,would encourage concentration, in so much, that the student will pay close attention in order to determine which object was newly introduced to the page. 

http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/games/the-new-one.aspx





* Amazing Alphabet Match-Up

A fun and challenging memory-type game where students find the matching alphabet letter and picture that begins with that letter.  (i.e. B and balloon) Easy, medium or hard levels available.  In the classroom, this partuicular game could be used as reinforcement as letters are recognized and sounds are learned.

http://pbskids.org/superwhy/#game/alphapigconcentration

 





* Letter Sounds Match-Up

A game that challenges students as they match the alphabet letter with the sound it makes.  Easy, medium and hard levels are available in this concentration-type game.  As students are learning individual letter sounds, "Letter Sounds Match-Up" is a great way to reinforce what sounds each letter makes and connect that with an object that begins with that sound.

http://pbskids.org/superwhy/#game/princessprestoconcentration

* Number Train Game

An ordering numbers game where the student "drops" the numbers 1-20 into the correct train car in the proper order.  Only three numbers are given at a time in order to allow the child to be successful.  Towards the end of the school year the "Number Train Game" would be excellent in either the introduction or reinforcing of number recognition, counting in order, and placing numbers in the correct order. 

www.softschools.com/counting/games/number_train/

 

http://www.more4kids.info/673/online-games-for-kids/

The benefits range from developing social skills in the virtual environment, increasing the ability of the child to successfully maneuver around and operate a computer, increasing emotional intellect, and assisting in the academic endeavors of the child.

1. Children who play games online are able to enjoy the reward and satisfaction that comes with the small goals that are often established in games.

2. If children engage in online gaming that involves playing with other children from other areas of the world, they can benefit in that they learn the importance and fun when it comes to sharing and taking turns.

3. The next advantage to playing games that involve other players is that your children will learn how to cooperate in a team setting.

4. There have many conclusive studies that indicate that children who play games that are video based on a regular basis have better eye-hand coordination than those children who do not play video games.

5. There are a number of games that are available online that focus on challenging the mind of the individual who plays it.

6. When a child plays online games, it has been found that the technology skills that are necessary to live in today’s world are greatly enhanced.

7. Children who play online games can learn how to multitask in an effective manner.

Video Library List/Biblical Integration

Online Video Library List

* Preschool Prep Company

    Preschool Prep Company produces books and DVDs that are created to help educate children in their early years.  Their items help children develop a strong foundation for learning how to read.  Preschool Prep products teach basic concepts such as letters, numbers, shapes and color recognition, sight words and phonics skills. 

http://www.preschoolprepco.com/h/a/index.php

* Brain Tofu

     Brain Tofu combines "school cartoons" and "cartoon education" shows to teach younger children about science, math, English and art.

http://www.braintofu.com/

* Christian Preschool

     Christian Preschool provides video tutorials of crafts that are geared for younger children, but are especially good for the Christian school classroom.  Explicit directions are given, from the materials needed, to step-by-step instructions.  Some book reviews are also included.

http://www.youtube.com/user/ChristianPreschool


* Mother Goose Club

     Mother Goose Club was created by a mother of four and former teacher.  It makes classic nursery rhymes accessible to what they call "a modern, global audience."  The live action and animated videos and songs were designed with today's classroom in mind.  The videos and songs feature six colorful characters and engaging content that promotes pre-literacy in a fun way. Mother Goose Club began airing on local PBS stations in 2009, and has since grown to become a multimedia resource, with a website that delivers learning tools and entertaining videos, as well as a YouTube channel.  On their very professional site you will find access to rhymes, videos, songs, lyrics, coloring sheets and more.

Image Acquired From mothergooseclub.com

http://www.mothergooseclub.com/about.php


* Super Simple Songs

     At Super Simple Songs you will find children's songs that are easy-to-teach, easy-to-learn, and super fun for the children. Their site also offers options such as a super simple learning website, kids songs, free flashcards, free ABC worksheets, and teaching tips.

http://www.youtube.com/supersimplesongs

 Biblical Integration

Image Acquired From Worshippingchristian.org

What biblical wisdom provides clarity on the role of a parent or guardian in monitoring a child’s practices and activities? How does this apply to the use of technology? What role does a teacher play regarding this issue? (Use at least one scriptural references in your response)

In Proverbs 22:6 parents are told, "Train up a child in the way he should

go . . ."  There is a great parental responsibility to instill the right things in a child.  In this day and age one very important way to put this principle into practice is to monitor a child's activities, whether it be with their friends, extra-curricular, or online.  Children need boundaries.  It is proven that a child feels safer when they know what their boundaries are.  A parent's job is demanding, yet one crucial role of being a parent is that of monitoring media in their family.  One of the greatest responsibilities a parent or guardian has is to protect the heart and mind of their child from words or images that threaten their values.  The task of setting boundaries in regards to media has become even more challenging due to the fact that the availability of ways for children to access the internet, especially away from home (including school), has greatly increased.  A teacher comes in to play here as the parent is entrusting their child to them while they are in the classroom.  A teacher then becomes responsible for what each student has access to while under their supervision.  Teachers must also set boundaries for their students.  For those teachers who are Christians, James 3:1 should be very convicting.  It states, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."  As adults, God holds us accountable, whether it be in the role of parent, guardian, or teacher, for those under our authority.  That role should not be taken lightly.