Blog Post #4

Judy Scharf provides a lot of helpful information for someone who does not know much about podcasts or how they are done. Scharf states "The term "podcast" is a cross between "broadcast" and "iPod." A podcast is a "radio-style" talk show." Scharf also explains that a podcast may be listened to on the computer or an MP3 player, and they may be downloaded from iTunes or a podcast hosting service. According to Ms. Scharf, podcasts are easy to do, cost very little, and can be shared with millions of people via the internet. This page also provides several resources, such as YouTube videos, step-by-step instructions to creating your own podcast, and resources for teachers to use with their students when creating a podcast.

The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom by Joe Dale explains many reasons podcasting may be useful in the classroom. Mr. Dale provides real-life examples of when podcasts can be helpful for students. Mr. Dale explained that if a student is sick and cannot come to school they will be able to stay caught up by listening to their teachers podcasts. Teachers are able to upload their podcasts to the class website, a blog, or iTunes for both parents and students to stay involved and up to date on what is going on in the classroom. Dale also explains that the process of creating and uploading audio files is easy and it promotes creativity and innovation.

I also listened to the Flat Stanley podcast. I really enjoyed listening to this podcast because you could hear the excitement in all of the students voices. Listening to the students really made me think about how this would be a great tool to use in my future classroom for students of all ages. Before the students recorded their podcast, they had read the book Flat Stanley by Jim Brown. This also showed me how I could incorporate reading a book, using technology while creating a podcast, and having the students work in groups to do so.