The iPods we are using today have the paid version of Sonic Pics which allows unlimited photos to be added. The free version limits you to 3 photos. Let’s quickly make a movie now.
The next few slides show how some schools are integrating Sonic Pics into their classrooms.
So, what is podcasting? This is really a true definition of podcasting. Recording and uploading audio and video files to the internet as one offs is a simpler definition of the terms and of course, is still a valid task that can be used effectively with students. YouTube videos, Khan Academy videos etc could all be classified, loosely, as examples of vodcasting. To make your own vodcasts, you can use tools such as iMovies, Windows Live Movie Maker and on the iPad, Explain Everything app. There are also other tools available online: Screen-o-matic has a free download and Camstudio is a free version of Camtasia. These tools allow you to capture your computer screen and audio. From Screen-o-matic, you can upload directly to YouTube.
Today we are going to follow one process out of the multitude of processes available for creating a true podcast. We will use Audacity to make a very simple voice recording. We won’t be going into the workings of Audacity – it’s a powerful tool with lots of great features. You can easily find YouTube videos to assist you with its functionalities. There are also alternatives to Audacity, for example Mac users could use Garage Band. We will then use Podbean – a free podcast hosting and publishing site. It allows us to generate a link to the podcast, but even more beneficial is that the site creates an RSS feed to which you can subscribe through iTunes. You can sync your i-device and be notified when new episodes are added. Podomatic is one of many alternatives to Podbean. It allows you to create a mini cast which is very similar to what we did with Sonic Pics on the iPod by uploading photos, an audio file and setting transitions and timings of slides. Some problems I encountered were that I was unable to record voice on the site (for podcasts) and I was unable to locate the “Subscribe to iTunes feed” option. Let’s try this process now.
So now that we have seen and explored the process of podcasting, let’s think about why we would use podcasts as educators. Meet students where they live and learn – on the Internet and on audio players Podcasts are mobile: - students can take the teacher (or other students!) anywhere Concepts studied in class can be reinforced for auditory and visual learners Reading and writing skills can be reinforced as students prepare their own podcast scripts Conduct alternative assessments that go beyond traditional tests and assignments No longer is the audience limited to the teacher or the classroom – students can now reach a global audience
In general terms, podcasts could be used for newsletters, oral presentations, interviews, revision, teacher lessons, virtual field trips and how to’s.
These next few slides illustrate different ways schools in Australia and overseas are utilising podcasts. The podcasts created by students at this school were published for all to access. By the time all students created their podcasts, all topics covered throughout the year had been revised.
Richard Meagher is one of many educators who produces his own podcasts of the subject matter he teaches. His podcasts are not only available to his students, anywhere anytime, but to a global audience.
Primary school students at this school use podcasts to record and reflect on various events that occur in their school.
This school in America joined with Smithsonian Education to create a project that involved three phases of podcasting: before, during and after the excursion. It was based on what I know, what I want to know and what I want to learn. Their podcasts were published to iTunes. In addition, children in an elementary school in Scotland came across the podcasts from Jamestown children and they have now joined as podcasting partners.
This powerpoint presentation, videos and useful links and information can all be found at the NTP wiki page. Alternatively, please feel free to contact me directly.
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