What is a podcast?

The following definition of a podcast is from USC's Center for Scholarly Technology Website (2009):

     Used as both a noun and a verb, podcast refers to a series of audio, enhanced audio (images with audio),

     or video files that users can subscribe to so that they receive new files (or episodes) automatically when

     they become available. Podcasts can be used to archive lectures, colloquia, and other real-time events for

     the benefit of students, faculty, and staff. Because podcasts are not viewed in realtime, they can be

     uploaded to an iPod or other portable media device and listened to/viewed on the go. They can also be      downloaded onto a Mac or PC computer for viewing (http://www.usc.edu/its/cst/teach/glossary.php) 

Here is a youtube video explaining podcasting:

Defining Podcasting Links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast

http://www.apple.com/itunes/whatson/podcasts/fanfaq.html

Use of podcasting in K12 education

In K12 education, podcasting has two main functions, student-created content and teacher-created content. 

Teacher-Created Content

Teachers are able to deliver content to students so that they can preview, review, and access subject material on their computers.  Specific lessons can be downloaded to a computer and placed on any mobile device that plays digital audio and/or video.  Podcasts can be subscribed to through an RSS feed so that everytime a new lesson is posted, the students immediately get it.  Students can access any podcast that is posted to the web providing a global network of content that can support learning in all subjects.  The teachers can now be anyone, anywhere, at anytime.

Student-Created Content

Students can use podcasts to create their own content.  Podcasting provides students an alternative to the usual paper-pencil or project as a method to share their knowledge.  For example, instead of a basic book report, students can create an interview with the main character or author.  Students could even record their times tables practice in lieu of a test.  Student-created podcasts can be engaging for the students, and they allow students to share their work globally by posting the podcasts online.  For the teacher, student podcasts can be graded outside of the classroom and do not require the student to be "there" to be assessed.  Teachers can grade the work anywhere a mobile device can go.

Some examples of student-created podcasts:

Podcasting Resources and Articles

Articles on Podcasting in Classrooms

http://www.thejournal.com/articles/22871/

chatt.hdsb.ca/~magps/boylit/edweek%20article.pdf

http://arstechnica.com/web/news/2009/02/study-listening-to-podcasts-better-than-going-to-lectures.ars

Podcasting Resources

http://www.ctaplive.org/pd/ctap02/page10.cfm

http://learninginhand.com/podcasting/booklet.html

http://www.azk12.org/content/podcasting

iTunes U K-12 Podcasts  

References

Arizona K-12 Center. (2009). Podcasting.  Retrieved May 6, 2009, from

     http://www.azk12.org/content/podcasting

Borja, R. (2005, December 7).  Podcasting craze comes to K-12 schools: Educators discover value of internet

     audio programs. Education Week, 25(14), 8-11.

Cheng, J. Study: class podcasts can lead to better grades. Retrieved May 4, 2009, from http://arstechnica.com/

     web/news/2009/02/study-listening-to-podcasts-better-than-going-to-lectures.ars

CTAP Region 3. (2008). Podcasting 101: CTAP 3 professional development: Podcasting resources. Retrieved

     May 4, 2009, from http://www.ctaplive.org/pd/ctap02/page10.cfm

FAQs: For Podcast Fans. (n.d.). Retrieved May 5, 2009, from

     www.apple.com/itunes/whatson/podcasts/fanfaq.html

Nagel, D. (2009). State agencies bring K-12 education content to iTunes U [Electronic Version]. T.H.E. Journal,

     July, 2008, 1-3. Retrieved May 5, 2009, from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/22871/.

Pressley, L.  “Podcasting for Education.”  Slideshare Presentation.  2009.  19 March 2009. 

      <http://www.slideshare.net/laurenpressley/podcasting-for-education>.

Podcasting. (2009, April 15). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 07:19, May 6, 2009,

     from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Podcasting&oldid=283998927

USC Center for Scholarly Technology. (2009). Glossary of terms. Retrieved May 5, 2009,

     from http://www.usc.edu/its/cst/teach/glossary.php

Vincent, Tony. (2008).  Learning in hand. Retrieved May 5, 2009, from

     http://learninginhand.com/podcasting/booklet.html