The first time I ever used Podcast about 3 years ago before I went to Ecuador and I was learning spanish. I signed up for a Survival Guide for learning Spanish. I downloaded it on my Ipod and would listen to it during my free time. t was pretty cool and much handier (is that a word???- I don’t like the look of it. lol) than carry a book around. Other than that I used podcast to download “hoops and yoyo” which are the characters for hallmark cards. They are so hilarious. It is pure comedy. As far as using podcast in my classroom I may be about to use it for phonics with my first graders and even to read stories that my children have created. I thought about maybe recording my voice reading a story but I don’t think that is completely legal and “IT MAY VIOLATE SOME COPYRIGHT LAWS.” Other than that I could see the school possibly using it to record the school news show. I think that it would give students an extra incentive to here themselves on the internet.
I could definitely see Podcasting being used as to teach foreign languages. If students are absent from school and if possible lectures could be record and places on podcast for review. If students and parents are subscribed to the podcast feeds it could possibly be used to send messages about the school and/or class however I do not know how effective that would be if individuals do not check their mail and feeders frequently.
First off, I am obsessed with Hoops and Yoyo!!!! They make me so happy! Second, I love your ideas for how to use podcasts with your 1st graders. I am sure they would love to record their stories and so would their parents. Do you think your students would be able to record a podcast or would you be recording their stories for them? I can also see the issue if no one checks their readers for using podcasts to record messages. I like the idea though...I might have to steal this from you! :)
ReplyDeleteSo, I thought of the same thing, to have myself read stories and have the kids listen like a book on tape but it did not even cross my mind that it would violate copyright laws! OOPS! I guess I was just thinking, hey it's my voice! I'm glad I read your blog!! :-) I do like your ideas of using the podcast to help with phonics.I know that for some readers it's more challenging than others, so I think using podcast for phonics will also be great for out struggling readers as well!
ReplyDeleteCopyright... that puts a new /old twist on how we should think about this tool. Most likely under fair use educators will have grace using podcasts only for the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the effectiveness of podcasts when they are not viewed often enough. In all reality, how would you use a podcast in elementary school?