|
As a teacher, have you ever looked into the eyes of your students and noticed that they were in "La-La Land"? I know that I have! And it was disheartening to know that I was not capturing their attention and pulling them into the subject with the same enthusiasm that I have for it. I absolutely ADORE history and find discussions on events of the past thrilling and captivating. So why don't my students feel the same way about my beloved subject matter?? What are their disintrested faces telling me? Their trips to "la-la land" during my class time could mean that my students stayed up way too late the night before watching tv, playing on the computer, texting on their phones, or just old-fashioned partying. But what can I do about that--other than admonish them for not getting enough sleep and rest. In this instance, it is time to think of a new approach. As a teacher, what can you do to turn the situation around? You may need a technique to get their attention that does not require the old pen, paper, and book lesson. Why not try a tech savvy idea--a podcast!
Podcasts can enhance the learning environment. They can be an innovative way to implement instruction and grab the attention of your students. Students can get bored with the traditional methods of learning, especially in this fast moving technological age. If you want to see their eyes light up with---dare I say it?? --EXCITEMENT--introduce your lesson with a podcast and see what reaction you get from your students. Or, if you are really brave and adventurous, why not have them make a podcast of their own which deals with the subject you are teaching? Wow! Now that might be interesting!! The students can "teach" each other and share their own unique way of explaining the subject and make meaningful connections to the material being studied. Additionally, students can work in groups, reinforcing collaboration.
Podcasts are great educational tools because they can be used across the curriculum. All subjects can be addressed in podcasts. Podcasts defy location barriers. They can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection. In reality, podcasts have the potential to reach a world-wide audience. If your students thought that their podcasts might help teach a student on the other side of the world a math lesson, grammar lesson, or science concept they might begin to display a passion for learning and teaching that they had not displayed before. They would, at the very least, display an excitement of being the "producer and host of their own radio show" (Kretz, 2007, p.40). I believe every student has a favorite subject and a talent for explaining that subject to others that we as teachers may not be able to do. Why not turn students on to learning and teaching (working with their classmates) by using the great tool of podcasting? After all, what do we have to lose???
In my opinion, Podcasting will be the top teaching aid of the future!
Reference
Courtney, N. (Ed.). (2007). Library 2.0 and beyond: Innovative technologies and tomorrow's user. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
Podcasts can enhance the learning environment. They can be an innovative way to implement instruction and grab the attention of your students. Students can get bored with the traditional methods of learning, especially in this fast moving technological age. If you want to see their eyes light up with---dare I say it?? --EXCITEMENT--introduce your lesson with a podcast and see what reaction you get from your students. Or, if you are really brave and adventurous, why not have them make a podcast of their own which deals with the subject you are teaching? Wow! Now that might be interesting!! The students can "teach" each other and share their own unique way of explaining the subject and make meaningful connections to the material being studied. Additionally, students can work in groups, reinforcing collaboration.
Podcasts are great educational tools because they can be used across the curriculum. All subjects can be addressed in podcasts. Podcasts defy location barriers. They can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection. In reality, podcasts have the potential to reach a world-wide audience. If your students thought that their podcasts might help teach a student on the other side of the world a math lesson, grammar lesson, or science concept they might begin to display a passion for learning and teaching that they had not displayed before. They would, at the very least, display an excitement of being the "producer and host of their own radio show" (Kretz, 2007, p.40). I believe every student has a favorite subject and a talent for explaining that subject to others that we as teachers may not be able to do. Why not turn students on to learning and teaching (working with their classmates) by using the great tool of podcasting? After all, what do we have to lose???
In my opinion, Podcasting will be the top teaching aid of the future!
Reference
Courtney, N. (Ed.). (2007). Library 2.0 and beyond: Innovative technologies and tomorrow's user. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
