Podcasting has become a very valuable learning tool for both students and teachers.
Students and teachers have produced audio and video recordings for many years prior to the emergence of podcasts and vodcasts. The way in which podcasts and vodcasts are distributed is what separates them from all previous kinds of audio and video recordings. Despite teachers’ best efforts, producing and sharing audio and video recordings was a very challenging task prior to the digital age we are currently in. Portable digital devices allow users to tap into a network of invaluable educational material anywhere, opposed to previous generations who have had to rely on content being shared with them primarily in a classroom setting. It’s miraculous!
Podcasts and vodcasts have impacted my pedagogy in ways that I could have never imagined. No matter what interest I have that I would like to obtain more knowledge on, there are podcasts that I’ve found that truly fascinate and intrigue me. I’ve found that there are communities of people just like me with a strong desire to teach and learn. I have no doubt that the students we teach can also acquire hoards of information that will benefit them and prepare them for real life experiences they may someday encounter.
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LESSON PLAN: Role Models and Their Impact on Society
Grade Level: 4th Grade
Materials: iPads, iPods, Desktop Computers, Digital Camcorder, iTalk Software
Lesson Sequence:
•Students are encouraged to ‘THINK BIG’.
•Who has made an impact on your life, as a role model?
•How has this person impacted your life?
•How has this person influenced decisions you’ve made in your life?
•Discover what influences your role model has had in their life.
•Ask your role model if there was a moment or person in their life that impacted them personally.
•Share your personal goals with your role. Ask them for insight on how to achieve your goals.
•Be sure to thank them for their time and wish them well in their future endeavors.
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•Students will be required to create a podcast using the software and hardware of their choice.
•A selection of software titles and available hardware will be made available to the students.
SOFTWARE HARDWARE
•Garageband •Sony Camcorder
•Audacity •Microphone with 1/8” mini jack
•iMovie •Desktop Computer
•Tripod
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•Students will be assessed using a rubric which addresses:
•Collaboration
•Writing Skills
•Presentation
•Recording
•Publishing
•Reflection
•Reflection
