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.
Awesome post Denise!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI really liked the point you made about extending the reach of a live event. Not everyone is able to attend things they want to at school and recording the event and and editing it down into a shorter podcast is a great way to preserve it and make sure everyone gets to see it. Also, students love to see themselves.
ReplyDeleteAlso, developing short podcasts for teachers so they do not have to attend a "live' in-service works great. My mentor does this at her media center and she has had very positive response from her teachers.
The idea for creating short podcasts for professional development is excellent!!! I think that would work perfectly for most schools. Not only does this free up time for teachers, but allows teachers to see first hand the benefits of incorporating technology into education. It may prompt teachers to want to learn more about using podcasts in their classrooms, or how students can use them for projects. I'm glad you shared that idea, because I would definitely use that as a media specialist when I become one.
ReplyDeleteUsing podcasts with exhibits is a wonderful idea! I went to an exhibit recently that gave visitors a programmed iPod touch for use in the exhibit area. At each spot that a "podcast" was available, you entered a code and heard the introduction. If you didn't want to go that direction, you could use sound effects like one of the kindergarten classes on the Willowcast did. It would signify that you needed to move.
ReplyDeleteAnother idea for using podcasts in the media center would be to create "read-alouds" using voices that the students know. The read-aloud could be made available for download and students could check out the physical copy of the book to read while they hear it being read aloud to them. This would work for multiple ages and reading levels, including with ELL students.
I love the idea of using Pocasts as a "booktalk" for kids. I work in an elementary school and at times find it hard to find ways to incorporate technology with the younger students. This idea is a great idea in any media center and classroom. It is something that could also be broadcast school wide for everyone to see. Love it!!
ReplyDelete