Podcasting

Podcasts in the Classroom
http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/curriculum/ict/podcasts/

A podcast is an audio file stored on the Internet and can be automatically accessed by a personal computer, downloaded and transferred to a portable MP3 player. Podcasting can be used in the classroom because podcasts can be created by students and teachers and downloaded for educational purposes. There are three main steps in creating a podcast. First, the data is recorded using a microphone and is saved as an audio file. Next, the data is published by uploading it to a web server. Lastly, you need to provide a way for users to access the files. The easiest way to do this is to provide a link from an existing web page. It is another way for students to share ideas and learning experiences. Because it is on the web, the world is their audience, and that makes it more meaningful to them. One of the best reasons for teacher to use podcasts is that it can save alot of time for other things. Teachers are able to provide any additional material for their class to download and look at whenever it is most convenient for them. There are a number of websites that offer free creation tools and hosting for podcasts. They offer quick ways to record and publish a podcast. This is very beneficial because the teacher can focus their time on the material contained in the podcast, rather than wasting time trying to figure out how to use it.

Podcasting offers an ideal tool for the creative expression of knowledge preferred by today's students, and provides an exciting way for students and educators to explore and discover educational content. It allows educators to take their students beyond traditional assignments by allowing them to include voice recordings, photos, movies, and sound effects to share their knowledge. Podcasting is also a great way for educators to give content to their students. This is a great way to distribute their homework assignments. Another great idea is to record yourself narrating a book, so students can then listen along. Podcasting would be a great tool for foreign language teachers because they could create a lesson that students can review at their own pace. For educators can be a very effective tool for professional development, as well as for communicating with parents about classroom activities and school announcements. I think it is a great idea...especially because kids are natives to technology. They already use it in their everyday lives so incorporating their learning into it could prove to be a very beneficial way for them to learn.

here is a youtube video on how to integrate podcasting into the classroom:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExkMeQfuLGc