I am an individual who would much rather watch a podcast than create one. TED Talks are one of my favorite ways to increase motivation and YouTube is my favorite way to learn. I especially appreciate YouTube for hands-on skills such as learning a new crochet stitch or pattern.
After some reflection, I realized that I create 'almost-podcasts' each week when I teach my students. I create a recording of my teaching for students whom were absent to view. They are able to access past classes from their homepage and review as often as needed.Obviously, this is not a podcast because it is follow the typical formula of digital audio, RSS Feed, and internet accessibility. It is possible that it could be considered as lecture webcasting, although it is only available to a closed circuit (King & Cox, 2011).
A benefit of assigning podcasts as assignments is to encourage students to broaden their horizons when it comes to digital technology. This past week's assignment definitely forced me out of my comfort zone, as I was originally uncomfortable creating a podcast. Another benefit, as I referenced in the use of YouTube, is using podcasts in tutorial form. It is much easier to learn, at least for me, with a visual demonstration which can be stopped and started as many times as needed.
While the assignment of podcasts can be a benefit, it can also be a drawback. This is especially concerning in large classes with limited time. An instructor may not have the resources available to instruct and troubleshoot with students who are experiencing this technology for the first time.
As I mentioned, my favorite use of podcasts are for teaching myself crochet. The following link is a crochet podcast site hosted through PodBean which is a platform to explore and create podcasts.
The Crochet Circle is a good example of a simple podcast/blog site. They have the episodes listed down the right hand side and the ability to subscribe through RSS. If crochet isn't one of your interests, you can return to the PodBean hosting platform and select podcasts from a menu including comedy, music, education, and more.
King, K. & Cox, T. (2011). The professor’s guide to taming technology. Charlotte, NC:
Information Age Publishing.
The Crochet Circle. (2016). http://thecrochetcircle.podbean.com/
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a really valid point when you mention how challenging it can be to troubleshoot technology-related issues with students. In any given semester, I have about 100-130 students, each writing 5-6 papers a semester. In a span of about 15 weeks, I grade between 4,000-6,000 pages of material, advise nearly 50 students, and serve on numerous time-consuming committees. Not only is finding the time to create the technology a challenge, but I definitely don't have the time to help troubleshoot. The challenge is, if I am going to incorporate a new technology in the class, it is a very reasonable expectation for me to be able to help when students are struggling. As King and Cox (2009) point out, "the issue is not whether technologies can be effective; it is how to ensure that the quality of education is not compromised" (p. 51). Unfortunately, if I spend more time integrating technology in the classroom, I am forced to take that added time from somewhere else. I often find it to be a balancing act to incorporate relevant technology without detracting from the other things that I find valuable for students.
Reference
King, K. & Cox, T. (2011). The professor’s guide to taming technology. Charlotte, NC:Information Age Publishing.
I think your personal use of podcasts is a good example of the added value of podcasting technology to informal learning which is also mentioned in another blog within your group. It was interesting to see how you labeled your recorded instructions not as podcasts but as "lecture webcasting". Do you see any similarities between these two concepts or you see them as two different animals?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed watching your prezi interview too. Do you see that prezi interview as a podcast or "lecture webcasting"? Your interviewee's mentioning of the learning curve for both instructor and the students when technology is integrated into curriculum is a very important point.
Good job.
K.
Jessica L.,
ReplyDeleteYouTube (and Pinterest) tutorials are also my go to for most things creative and learning new skills.
Now that you have experienced podcast for yourself do you think you will incorporate them into your teaching? Do you think it will be beneficial? I agree, podcasts are much easier for learning because they can be started and stopped at any given time. It allows adult learners flexibility in their learning and the ability to access information from multiple devices is a plus too.
I looked into the PodBean website and it was pretty cool. Very similar to YouTube but more informational context. Great resource!
FYI: If I haven’t told you before I love your blog background!
Tiffany