Podcasting

Students and teachers from all over the world are learning from audio and video programs on desktop computers, laptops, tablets, netbooks, and other devices. Hundreds of free educational programs are available online. With a couple clicks, you can be learning about grammar, science, history, algebra...just about anything!

A podcast typically has a web feed (known as RSS) that allows it to be cataloged in various podcasting directories like iTunes. When a podcast has a web feed, software and apps can subscribe to it. That means that new episodes are automatically downloaded. 

Windows and Mac computers can use iTunes for podcasts. iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch can use Apple's free Podcasts and iTunes U apps. Android users can choose from a variety of podcast player apps.

In most classrooms the teacher will find podcast episodes for students to listen to or watch. Sets of laptops, iPods, netbooks or other devices can be loaded with podcast episodes so students can use them at their desks, on field trips, in the library, or at home.

Creating podcasts has many educational benefits. Students are able to create a product to share with a potentially world-wide audience. Their podcast can be listed in iTunes, right along with podcasts from The Discovery Channel, Disney, and NPR. Knowing that there is a real-world audience gives students purpose and motivation to create a spectacular product. The process of putting together an audio recording is extremely valuable and is certainly a cross-curricular experience.

Below are a collection of links that can be helpful when it comes to podcasting in schools.