Podcasts in the Classroom

Podcasts are radio broadcasts made into audio files and uploaded to the Internet. Listeners find podcasts on any number of portals and download the files to be played either in an iPod or straight through a computer. Students of every grade level are creating podcasts in class for just about every subject. Whether you create your own or just listen to others, podcasts are a great way to bring audio into your classroom that’s free and easy to obtain.

For help and ideas on how to use podcasts in the classroom, see the resources listed below.

Teachers Network Resources

Be sure to watch the podcasting video featured on the main menu of this CD. In this video, a teacher creates podcasts as a larger part of a unit on the music of Depression-era America.

Reaching an Audio Learner with MP3 files: http://teachersnetwork.org/ntol/howto/incorptech/mp3files.htm

Curriculum Units Using Podcasts or Digital Audio

Podcasting in the Classroom: http://teachersnetwork.org/grantwinners/GrantTeachNet_RianWilkinson_PostcastingInTheClassroom.htm

Creating Audio Content with Audacity:
http://teachnet-uk.org.uk/2005%20Projects/ICT-Audacity/audacity/index.htm

Interactive Textbooks: http://teachersnetwork.org/powertolearn/bentz.htm

Mound Bayou: http://teachersnetwork.org/everywhere/profiles/murray.htm

From Magpies to Messiaen: Birds in Music: http://teachersnetwork.org/teachnetusa/etobias/tobias.htm

Music Remix:
http://teachnet-uk.org.uk/2005%20Projects/Music-Remixing/remixing/index.htm

More On the Web

New York Times article on podcasting in the classroom (free registration required):
http://nytimes.com/2006/01/25/technology/techspecial2/25podcast.html

Education Podcast network: http://epnweb.org/index.php

Indie Podder: http://indiepodder.org

Apple iTunes podcasts: http://apple.com/itunes/podcasts

Digital audio formats: http://webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Computer_Science/2005/digital_audio_formats.asp

Teachers Teaching Teachers: http://teachersteachingteachers.org

Free iTunes download (Mac or PC): http://apple.com/itunes/download

Audacity sound editing software (free download): http://audacity.sourceforge.net

Using Audacity in the Classroom: http://techlearning.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=192203079