Useful Ways to incorporate Podcasting in a Media Center

The most obvious use of a podcast in a media center is a booktalk. They can be easily and effectively produced by media specialists, teachers, and students to promote reading in general, a specific book genre or group of books, or they can be used by teachers in numerous ways such as a hook to a specific topic within the unit, as a journal prompt, or as a final product choice. The ultimate result is exposure in a creative way to a new book.

Another way to use podcasts in a media center is to tie them to an exhibit. Perusing an exhibit is interesting, but an accompanying podcast brings an exhibit to life. Viewers often have questions after examining artifacts, and a clever podcast would not only anticipate questions but also answer them. Most written pieces that accompany an artifact are very brief and people do not always want to read them. Having a podcast that includes fascinating information allows the creator to offer a much richer and intimate experience.

Bringing library instruction to life with a series of podcasts is a valuable use of this technology. Students and teachers can easily be directed to short, useful hands-on tutorials from the media center’s webpage. In a time when media specialist positions are being cut, it would be like having individualized attention; this special attention makes patrons feel like they are being supported, and it frees the media specialist up for other hands on activities.  

Extending the reach of a live event is another use of podcasts in the media center. A live talent showcase could be recorded and edited into a shorter podcast to offer patrons who could not be present the opportunity to see the exciting event. Media lessons like creating presentations or copyright information could also be made into podcasts for students who are absent or who are homebound. The human quality of a podcast would make these students feel a part of the school culture even though they may not actually be present.

Having the time to attend professional development puts a strain on the time of all teachers. Developing a series of short podcasts that would be viewed within a specific window of time and a blog for Q & A and discussions is an excellent solution. Teachers would feel like their time is being respected while valuable information or how-to guides would be shared.

The media center could become the information hub of a school by broadcasting a weekly news podcast. Students could write relevant articles about school activities or choose to spotlight a faculty member or student to interview. When students undertake this kind of important assignment with the guide of the media center facilitator, real world decision making skills and   critical thinking skills are all regularly practiced. In addition, this is an excellent ways for students to also fine tune their communication skills.

Reference List

Courtney, N. (Ed.). 2007).  Library and beyond. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited. 

Fontichiaro, K (2007, March) Podcasting 101. School Library Monthly, 23(7), 22-23.

 

 

Blog 1: Podcasting

     Podcasting is a great tool for use in the classroom. With computer microphones being relatively cheap and online programs such as audacity.com, virtually any classroom can make use of podcasting in some way. Students love using computers, and computers can liven up a lesson and make students more enthusiastic about learning, so incorporating use of a computer to either create or listen to a podcast is sure to grab a students attention. Podcasting can also help differentiate learning experiences for students, appealing to those more auditory learners.
     The portable nature of podcasts is also appealing. Not only can podcasts be accessed from computers, but also be downloaded to mp3 players, such as iPods or Zunes, or cds. This, too, is sure to be appealing to students that like to use the latest in technology.
     The possibilities are virtually endless inside the classroom and library. Students can create a podcast to be featured on the school website to inform students and parents of important happenings around the school or promote programs. Classrooms can use podcasts to replace the traditional handwritten report. Podcasts can also be used to help students with oral fluency and learning to become expressive readers. Students can listen to their teachers read books from home on a class website. Libraries can use a podcast to be listened to on a portable device to give students a tour of the library. The possibilities really are ENDLESS!
     We've all heard the term podcasts, and hopefully we are all gaining the mindset that these are very doable and fun educational outlets for students within the classroom and outside. The portability and accessibility of podcasts is unparalleled, not to mention the affordability of this cutting edge communication tool for any school budget. Podcasting is just another example of how technology being used in the classroom can enliven the curriculum and push student involvement to unseen heights!

Welcome

Team 5, MEDT 7477, Fall 2012: Based on the student numbers and schedules, do your original blog posts here.
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