I have hear a lot about podcasts but I never really knew what they were exactly or how easy they were to access for that matter. I have had iTunes and used it for so long but never acknowledge the podcasts application in the iTunes library until this week’s topic of images and podcasts. After briefly browsing the podcasts on the iTunes store, can you imagine my sheer delight when I came across a whole range of Triple J podcasts? Now I can simply download the Triple J podcasts and it’s ready instead of searching and downloading song after song to add to my jogging playlist. I use my ipod to play all my favourite playlists, I was unaware of the educational advantages that ipods have.
So if you were a little confused like I was about what exactly a podcast is according to Apple Inc. (2009) a podcasts is a program delivered via the internet with the publisher broadcasting the episodes to a web server. Podcasts can include the more common types of media and can be used to offer a diverse range of programs.
There are many advantages to using podcasts in the classroom. One of the podcasts in particular that I feel could be beneficial for the early years students is the educational podcast program “hooked on Phonics” , this program could be used by teachers and teacher aides working one on one with a student. “Hooked on Phonics” could also be sent home to parents and students to subscribe and peruse in their own time in the comfort of their own home.
Podcasts can be integrates into many of the Big6 skills for example Skill number 4 Students will use the identified information by engaging with the podcasts by listening and then extracting relevant information (Eisenberg, 2001). There is substantial research that suggests that university students who download a podcast lecture obtain higher test results and grades by replaying the difficult parts of their lectures and taking better notes (Callaway, 2009). I believe this approach to new learning material may be effective in any classroom environment. Transforming face to face lessons into podcasts also would allow those students with different learning styles another avenue to gain and achieve the most from a learning experience. Podcasts would also be an effective tool in the classroom if any student were away, or for those who want clarity on the lesson and require some further help, they can simply access the podcast 24/7.
It is important for a Learning Manager to remember that not all students will have access to technologies such as ipods, computers, iphones and even internet so it is essential to modify lessons to suit all learners. Prensky (2005) argues that education needs to be engaging, and that students of today have access to a vast variety of technologies. So how do educators further engage students who do not have the technology in their lives due to socio economic backgrounds? So were to from here? According to the Department of Education and the Arts Inclusive Statement (2004) "Inclusive education ensures that schools are supportive and engaging places for all students, teachers and caregivers. It is about building communities that value, celebrate and respond to diversity. It is underpinned by respectful relationships between learners, teacher and caregivers. It is about shaping the society in which we live and the type of society to which we aspire”.
References
Apple Inc., 2009, itunes, http://www.apple.com/itunes/whatson/podcasts/fanfaq.html, viewed 1st August, 2010.
Callaway, E., 2009, New Scientist, Itunes university better than the real thing, http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16624-itunes-university-better-than-the-real-thing.html, viewed 1st August, 2010.
Eisenberg, M. (2001, November 19). The Big6 Skills Overview. Retrieved August 01, 2010, from The Big6: http://www.big6.com/2001/11/19/a-big6%e2%84%a2-skills-overview/
Prensky, M. (2005). Engage me or engrage me: What today's learners demand. [electronic copy]
Department of Education, Training and the Arts, (2006). Inclusive education policies. Retrieved March 20, 2009 from http://education.qld.gov.au/studentservices/inclusive/index.html
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