Thing 19 -- Learn About Podcasting

I've explored podcasts a little bit before but have never actually used one in the classroom. I listened to parts of a lot of podcasts. Some were better than others in terms of usefulness, sound quality, and quality of information. The podcasts I found the most interesting were the ones done by the students.

Podcasts for Students:
1. Grammar Girl's Quick & Dirty Tips for Better Writing. I liked this entire site. I listened to one podcast and will probably go back to listen to some more.
2. Vocab Minute from The Princeton Review. I listened to several of these. The podcasts use songs to help you remember vocab. Students would probably like studying vocab this way much better.
3. English Idioms and Slang -- the link doesn't work
4. Hopkinton High School Library Booktalks. I thought it would be a description and discussion of the book, but it was just different characters reading the book. I didn't listen long enough to know if they later discussed the book. Great for kids who like to listen to books being read to them.
5. Dan's Mathcast - Mathematics for the Masses. I listened to part of one episode. If you are really into math, then this would be a good podcast.
6. Reading Roundup Podcasts -- given by the librarian to tell elementary school kids of new books that the library has. Good for students because it includes music and the narrator makes the books sound fun to read.

Podcasts by Students:
1. Jamestown Elementary Podcasts. I listened to Jamestown Podcast #67: If I Were President. The podcast showed a picture of each student holding a poster with their voice saying what they would do if they were President. The kids were probably around 2nd or 3rd grade. Very cute.
2. This I Believe by Charlotte High School. I listened to several where students talked about their beliefs and other things. It was interesting and this type of podcast would be great for an English or Speech class. This is one that I think students might enjoy doing and listening to.

I also listened to a couple of Professional Development podcasts. First I listened to Quirks and Quacks on CBC Radio. It was just like listening to a talk radio show. You could even purchase copies of the podcast. It was interesting to me, but I like listening to books on tape. Then I listened to The Tech Pod Zone, 68 Just Moodling Around. Lots of static and dead air space. Lost interest quickly.

Since I like listening to books on tape, I would find many of these podcasts interesting. I’m not sure how I could use any of them in my classroom. I need to search for some that are better suited to what I teach.