Podcasting

What does mobile learning look like?

Mobile Learning is incorporating mobile technology into a student's learning process to benefit said student. It doesn't have to just take place in the classroom; it can happen anywhere a mobile device can be carried and function. It usually occurs in the form of cell phones and tablets.

What is a podcast?

A podcast is a digital audio file that is available to listen to on the Internet. They are easy to stream and download by almost any device that can connect to the Internet. If a teacher wanted to use a podcast to teach something to her students, the students would simply download the file to their device and play it.

What are the advantages and disadvantages to podcasting?

A disadvantage of podcasting is that, although most do, some students may not have a device that is capable of connecting to the Internet to stream and download the podcasts. Another disadvantage of podcasting is that the teacher may run into technical difficulties, hindering the posting of a podcast. If the only thing a student has to rely on to learn the material is a podcast, they may find themselves running into problems with their device and/or Internet, keeping them from learning the material they need to learn. However, the advantages of podcasting certainly outweigh the disadvantages of podcasting. Podcasts are cheaper in the long run than buying textbooks for every student. A study has also been done showing that humans are more likely to remember something they hear rather than something they read. Podcasts are also capable of helping students with a disadvantage, such as the visually impaired and dyslexic. Podcasts are a simple way to convey information to a group of students.

What are the current results of educators who have used podcasting?

86% of school and district administrators said mobile learning increases student engagement. They have had an overall positive reaction out of students when it comes to podcasting.

How would you begin podcasting?

I would begin podcasting by determining what information I wanted to convey to my students. I would write out a "script" of sorts to keep myself on track of what I want to say in my podcast. I would also try keeping the podcast as entertaining, yet educational as I can to make sure my students are intrigued, yet still learning. I would then proceed to recording my audio file on my cell phone.

I don't really know what to type here. :)

January 15, 2015

Technology in Education

This video gives perfect examples as to why we need technology to educate today's students. Without technology, students would lack many of the skills that most employers search for in their future employees. Although technology can sometimes be taken advantage of and used inappropriately, there are more pros than cons when it comes to incorporating technology in today's classrooms.