Podcasting - An Effective Tool for Educators?

Hola! This blog assignment was by far the most time consuming and least entertaining! I do not mean that to be an inflammatory statement, just my opinion. One could very well point out that it had to do with my choice of podcasts or the topic of the podcast. Having a degree in English Literature and obviously loving the written word is a double edged sword. A good novel will "grab" the reader within the first few sentences. A good podcast should do the same. Out of six podcasts, I found two that not only grabbed me, but held me in a vicelike grip. I will keep my subscription to those podcasts. In a nutshell, this is what I learned, or didn't learn as the case may be.

I first listened to the EdTech Talk podcast of February 2, 2009. On this podcast they had a guest who is working toward her PhD. and she apparently made a video that I will not take the time to look at this semester. It is about how to integrate new technology in the classroom. I choose this podcast for the topic, but was sorely disappointed in the delivery. What could have been a great podcast, packed full of useful information, was, at best, noise. As was MacBreak Weekly (episode aired February 3, 2009). I do not own a Mac, therefore this podcast was of no value to me. If I purchase a Mac, I am sure I will view this differently. It was all about the iPhone, which I do not own either. I also advocate being "unplugged" as much as possible in order to avoid overload. So, I obviously do not care if my phone can access the Internet. If I needed constant access to the Internet for my job, I would think the iPhone is a boon.

The next podcast I listened to was SMARTBoard Lessons Podcast, episode #3, dated February 1, 2009. I thought the information presented in this podcast was adequate, however, not very well presented. I then, very begrudgingly, moved on to Teachers Podcast Episode #39. This podcast replaced ConnectLearning, which I could not find. Again, what could have been a great podcast did not hold me. The subject addressed dealt with free resources for teachers and tips on converting video, art, language arts thus bringing it to the digital age. The first ten minutes were spent on extolling the virtues of a new sub-notebook computer that most teachers will not be able to purchase. This podcast also extolled the virtues of collaborative learning, which I myself find useful - sometimes. What is never pointed out during these podcasts are the opposing points of view. We don't live in a collaborative global village. The person who is best at their job or talent wins. Certain technology is kept secret until whomever created it can figure out how to profit from it. Period. If we lived in a collaborative society I would know all 12 herbs and spices in the Colonel's chicken recipe. So, needless to say, they lost me as well. I don't do well with the Kum-Ba-Ya approach. This lady's voice also drove me nuts. Kind of like nails on a chalkboard.

I did find two podcasts that I did like, and like very much. The first was KidCast, episode #59. It was about incorporating iPods in the classroom. Their style was direct, to the point and they actually talked about what they said they were going to talk about! This episode dealt with actively engaging students in the classroom while using technology. They pointed out that even if teachers do bring podcasting, smartboards or any technology into the classroom the students still remain passive. The question they asked and answered was how to change learning from a passive, static pursuit to an engaging, dynamic pursuit. I will keep my subscription to this podcast because it is so well done. I think I'd even listen to it if it was about the Mac!

As I mentioned earlier, I have an English Degree. That obviously means I love to read, write and enjoy anything that combines the two. I noticed a podcast entitled "Grammar Girl." I was unable to pass it up. So, I replaced the podcast about photography with the podcast about grammar. I will say that her style is very dry, which I find amusing (let's face it, grammar is not exactly a barrel of laughs). She has daily tips, which you can subscribe to, and has written a book entitled Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing. My birthday is coming up so please feel free to purchase this for me! Also, during this short podcast I learned something I can use in the real world. Let's face it, many people today do not know how to write, let alone speak, properly. As much as we say we advocate free expression, embrace different dialects, and accept slang, we don't. Before you begin to vehemently object to my opinion, ask yourself this question: How many newscasts do you see where the anchor says, "He don't care iffn they done caught him 'r not." I can't think of one.