Podcasting

With the nights getting shorter, Christmas already seems months ago. I wonder how many of us used the internet to avoid the queues or get the early bargain at the sales? The role of technology has become embedded in our lives, even to the sad extent that the papers were reporting that 3.1million people attended church on Christmas day, whereas, 4.6 million logged on to the early sales. The internet has brought the world closer together - on Christmas Day I sat and watched my friend chat with his brother in Dubai, via Skype. With students immersed in this world of technology, it is no wonder that they demand it within schools. In 2004, the web changed with the development of a new code called Web 2.0 Termed ‘Social Networking’ (due to its advancements to social sites), it has started to have huge implications within schools. The technology allows for greater sharing, communicating and exchanging of information and ideas—surely aims for any productive lesson!
A good place to start is the use of Podcasting. The Pod comes from IPOD (though any Mp3 player or computer works) and the Casting is short for broadcasting. So essentially you or the students can broadcast lessons for others to listen to. There are already hundreds online. Just type podcast and your subject into Google, or check out; www.shirelandclc.co.uk/podcast/ for some examples. Why not have a go yourself or with a class? Download Audacity free from http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ which enables you to import music, record voice-overs and make mp3 files. For more innovation using Web 2.0, including Blogging and Wikis, see http://greatbarrschool.blogspot.com/ . The BETT school technology show occurred last week and is a another great source for innovative ideas http://www.teachers.tv/video/24216