What is a podcast?
A podcast is like a radio show. However, instead of being
broadcast live, a podcast is recorded and then distributed over the internet,
so that you can listen to it whenever you please. There are thousands of
podcasts available, ranging from general interest entertainment shows to those
which focus on specific topics (e.g. computers / music / education).
How do children
benefit from making a podcast?
It gives them a potential audience of
thousands for their work.
It's great for developing literacy skills
(writing scripts, setting up interviews etc), allows children to develop and
practise their speaking and listening skills, and they also learn some amazing
ICT skills.
Podcasts can be interactive, and the audience
can be invited to send their comments, giving valuable feedback to the children
about their work.
I've found that
making a podcast is also great for developing teamwork skills. The children
always work together really well, as they're always keen to make a great show.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/genre/childrens
http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/genre/childrens
Imagine children's excitement if making a podcast from a list of topics, can be part of a holiday program or a school project.
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to research how public librarians and more specifically children's librarians have or haven't incorporated podcasting into their practice.
School librarians are maybe even better placed to develop these skills in children, as they work alongside learners for longer periods of time. But wouldn't it be public librarians that can add a fun slant into the topics when including the creating of a podcast competition into their programs?
I've read of a language teacher who runs podcasting competitions for her class each year.
The learners need to podcast on the prescribed literature covered in class throughout the year. They need to evaluate the resources according to certain criteria and podcast about their findings.
At the end of the year they have a prize ceremony and afterwards some of the best podcasts are uploaded on a server or network from where other students can access and learn from it as well.