Podcasting

A fellow teacher pointed out to me, our students are part of the 'ear-bud generation'. What better way to connect with them when they are not in school than by podcasting!

The whole idea used to intimidate me, but I took a short class on it and now I feel like I may want to try it. If you are like me and want to make a Pod cast for your students but have no idea where to begin... try http://www.spreaker.com/

This is a super easy, user-friendly, FREE website. All you need is a microphone (smart phones work too, just download their app). The website has everything you need to record yourself, and it posts it to a webpage that you students can access without having to sign up for anything. I can't tell you how easy it really is!!

I have always wanted to try podcasting for when I am absent from school. I hate taking sick days when I have lecture planned but this would be a great alternative if I could record it all in advance, and the substitute just hits play and flips through my PowerPoint slides for me.

This also sounds like a great option for absent students getting caught up, posting review sessions, or even a 'letter' to communicate with parents.

Also, when I give a BIG project with lots of oral directions, absent students have a tendency to feel overwhelmed and behind... this would be great for posting assignment directions for projects, webquests, etc.

I can also see uses for students on IEPS! Get a student volunteer (National Honor Society member, or even just someone wanting extra credit) to read handouts out loud and record them. Fabulous for struggling readers when our intervention specialist is not available! My school also has a problem finding readers for test days. Knowing this, I could record the test ahead of time myself (but not post it publicly of course) and let the students listen during the test.

I also want to point out, students don't need an i-pod to access your podcast. They could also use a computer with internet, smart phone, iPad, eBook, etc. All of my students have at least one of these items.
Anyways, I am very excited to try this, and I hope you are too! When I get around to making my first podcast, I will be sure to post the link for those wanting to see an example.