From the Podium to a PODCAST (original post)

From the Podium to a PODCAST

If you are not familiar with the term "podcast," you automatically know that it's dealing with technology and the use of the Internet.  Not knowing anything further, leads you to believe that this is something that only true techies can do.  However, this is not true because it’s SO easy to create a podcast that even first grade students have mastered the art of “podcasting!”

How do YOU define podcasting?  Well, podcasting to me is a digital audio file that can be downloaded on the Internet.  Knowing this much, how do YOU feel podcasting can be a relevant tool to today’s Media Specialist?

We have come to learn and understand; that the Media Center is the nucleus of the school where information is stored and distributed to all those who wish to visit.  Yet, the idea of the Media Center still remains as the place where only books are checked in and checked out and where school equipment is stored.  As we push to remove those thoughts and show that the Media Center is where technology literally “thrives,” podcasting takes us from the podium where the teacher stands and lectures or where the Media Specialist checks out books to a new way of higher-order thinking.  As a side-note, everything that we are engaged in as human beings deals with LITERACY…and now TECHNOLOGY! 

As the Media Specialist for a school, podcasting is a great tool to use by many to engage and motivate students in the learning process. But first, the teacher must be educated on podcasting and the benefits.  Here is where professional development is required on part of the Media Specialist to their most important counterpart – THE TEACHER!  Once teacher’s see that creating podcast encourages higher-order thinking, creativity, leadership, oratory skills, writing skills and reading comprehension…they will be creating podcast with every unit taught.  Classes can have scheduled visits into the Media Center where the Media Specialist along with the teacher can assist students in creating their podcast.  Overall, podcasting is a POWERFUL tool that not only encourages peer teaching with respect to creating podcast, but motivates the students to want to LEARN more as they enhance their podcast!