Podcasts

This week's assignment, Podcasts, introduced me to a new way of e-communication. I was already familiar with iTunes and had heard of a podcast, but never played around to actually check it out. Now I know! A podcast is a way for people to share ideas, thoughts, and suggestions regarding ANYTHING.

The SmartBoard Lessons Podcast discusses all kinds of ideas including Feltron Eight (pictured to the right). Nicholas Feltron lives in New York and has basically recorded every move he makes in a day. This includes every step he takes, how fast he walks, every subway ride, cost of meals, trips to the gym, and the number of birthday parties he attends. Why? This information can be utilized as a math project for schools.

EdTechTalk Episode 25 is a podcast involving teachers from New Hampshire and New York. During the live podcast, "outsiders" could provide input through a chat room or Skyte. One topic was a recent Educon 2.1 conference. They discussed various presentations at the conference including one on The World Cafe. Teachers also discussed curriculum review boards at their schools and how some teachers are still afraid of using a computer. Being afraid of a computer today is the same as being afraid of using a pencil!

The MacBreak Weekly podcast features the latest information on the "Macintosh world". I'm not familiar with Mac. This podcast would be great for Mac users as a way to stay informed of the latest news and gadgets for Mac.

I really enjoyed listening to the Kid-Cast #58 podcast. This podcast includes recommendations on how to get students not only to learn HOW to DEVELOP a podcast, but to get them involved in the TOPIC of their podcast. Students tend to be so wrapped up in learning how to make a podcast that they forget the podcast topic. To me, this applies to technology as a whole. On Kid-Cast, podcasts by both students and teachers are posted. What's cool is that each podcast is rated before they are posted, E - everyone, E+10 - everyone 10 and up, T - teens 13 and up, and T16+ - teens 16 and up.

Overall, podcasts are a great way to LISTEN (and interact) to all kinds of information ranging from education to the latest on the Wii (which is what I'm about to check out!). You listen to real people with real ideas and suggestions. The podcasts are also personable. Each one I listened to started out informal chatting about the weather or (in the case of the MacReader) the Steelers winning the Super Bowl.