What are podcasts and voice recordings?
In this blog posting, I’d like to talk about podcasts and voice recordings for the elementary classroom. First, a podcast is similar to a radio broadcast segment, except that it is digitalized and can be found online or downloaded onto your smart phone. A voice recording consists of a digital recording of one’s voice or a sound, but can also be accompanied by images. Examples of voice recordings can be found everywhere on the Internet, but in particular, the website http://voicethread.com/ gives excellent examples of voice recordings with images, also known as voicethreads.
How I would use voice recordings and podcasts in my classroom
Since both podcasts and voice recordings require oracy, I can see them being useful tools in an elementary classroom. Additionally, anyone can create a podcast or a voice recording on any topic they desire. This means that the possibilities are endless. In my elementary classroom, I would use voice recordings and podcasts …
-as a means for students to express their creativity.
-as a tool for a student projects.
-as a learning resource whereby students can listen to selected informative podcasts and voice recordings.
A classroom podcast and voice recording project
I see many possibilities for using podcasts and voice recordings in the classroom and I would like to share the one that I am most excited about. This lesson plan idea involves using a podcast as a means of sharing with another classroom, similar to a ‘penpal’ system. The students could create multiple podcasts throughout the school year and share them with another class. In return, they would receive podcasts from the other class. The podcast topics could vary. For example, if the two classes involved were from different towns or even countries, each could give information on their town. Similarly, the classes could create a voicethread, which would consist of a voice recording and images. They could give verbal information and accompanying images about famous landmarks in their town or country. I see this project as being a fun and informative learning experience.
Why are podcasts and voice recordings useful?
More and more teachers are incorporating technology into the classroom. The main reason for this is that technology can be and is a useful tool. In my opinion, podcasts and voice recordings fall into the category of being a useful technological tool. This is because they can assist students with multiple learning styles. Additionally, podcasts and voice recordings can be a great hook to get students interested in something. This is because the novelty of the podcast or voice recording could make them excited and enthusiastic learners. Finally, podcasts and voice recordings are compatible with just about any topic and this makes them a great learning tool since its possible to find topics that interest all students.
What teachers should consider when using podcasts and voice recordings
Although I feel very positive about the use of podcasts and voice recordings in the classroom, I can see two main downsides to their use that teachers should consider. First, the safety of the students is of concern since voice recordings and podcasts occur online. However, there are ways around this concern. First, there are podcast websites created for children, one of which is http://www.kid-cast.com/. And second, teachers can avoid using the real names or real pictures of the students so that they are in effect anonymous. Alternatively, another consideration that teachers should keep in mind is ensuring that the language in the podcast and/or voice recording is grade appropriate. This means that teachers need to listen/watch the entire podcast and voice recording.
Other Podcast and voice recording websites I found interesting and useful
1) The Writing Process
http://voicethread.com/?#q+english+language+arts.b328891.i1742502
2) A grade 2 I Spy project
http://voicethread.com/about/library/2nd_graders_play_ISpy/
3) a) Reading buddies teacher introduction:
http://voicethread.com/?#q+english+language+arts.b111975.i720159
b) The Foot Book read by a grade 2 to a kindergarten reading buddy
http://voicethread.com/?#q+english+language+arts.b111975.i719235
http://voicethread.com/?#q+english+language+arts.b927613.i4943298
http://voicethread.com/about/library/1st_grade__Reading_Analysis_from_Leanne_Windsor/
Great post, Rosemary! Love the penpal-type idea with another classroom....that would be a lot of fun to create with students.
ReplyDeleteWonderful resource list too!