Journal #5

"Making Field Trips Podtastic!" by Aliece W. Weller, John C. Bickar and Paul McGuiness

This article explores the idea of using podcasts within the educational realm. One example cited in this article was the Harvard Graduate School of Education's exhibit at the Boston Museum of Science. This exhibit uses podcasting as a tool to teach students about science in a fun, interactive, and exploratory way. Interactive field trips like the one mentioned are being created to increase the amount of time and depth students can be engaged in the exhibits. In contrast to personal use of podcasting, museum exhibits based on podcasting actually increases interaction and collaboration of students on exhibits. Teachers who are interested in using podcasting in their classrooms don't necessarily need an MP3 player but they can also use a pocket PC. Other benefits of using a handheld PC is that students may also use it to take photos, video, record interviews, record notes in text or audio format, access information on the internet about topics thus student are able to customize their "learning experiences". Educators may also adhere to national and state standards with podcasting because they are able to create it themselves. Podcasting also does not require any additional software to purchase so teachers are able to use the already available resources found in schools. Although the podcasting field trip modules require additional time for educators to prepare, the virtual field trips will reduce their instruction time as well as increase their students engagement and understanding of the subject matter.

Before reading this article podcasting was something very unfamiliar to me. I am really starting to understand the potential of using podcasts in my classroom and I'm very excited for the opportunity to try. In comparison to traditional lecturing and textbook assignments podcasting really opens up the doors for students to learn on so many more levels. They are able to be in control of their own learning experience by see pictures, hear audio, and making testing their knowledge to open up the next module. In a way, it is very similar to how video games have captured the audience of our youth. Video games are interactive and challenging although podcasting offers a much more educational advantage! I was really amazed with the interactive modules created for the Boston Museum of Science and seeing how the students seemed to really enjoy their field trip and how excited they were to share their experiences with their friends. What a clever way to keep the educational ball rolling!

Questions
1. One of my questions is how can future educators learn about how to use podcasting in their classrooms? I researched a bit on the subject and there seems to be a lot of information out there about how to use podcasting in the classroom. I found a lot of good resources on the Apple website itself regarding how the iPod can be used in conjunction with education.

2. Are there case studies or examples of how educators can use podcasting in their classrooms? My question was based on the fact that I understand that using podcasts in the classroom are beneficial but I'm looking for actually examples and lessons that are shown to be effective in Middle School classrooms. I actually was able to find a few resources for science lesson plans and I'm starting to understand what ways my iPod can be used and how.