As I review my GAME plan, I recognized my challenge as equipping myself with the tools that I need to move my students into the digital-age. In order to do that, I have to identify the resources that I need to gather. I then categorized them into software, information, and human resources. In order for me to explore the production of podcasts, I determined that I needed the software to record and edit the podcast. The recorder software that is part of Windows is entirely inadequate, as it does not allow editing. Through research and discussions with colleagues, I found that Audacity seems to be the software of choice. Having recorded the podcast, I would want to hear it and experience it the way that my listeners will. iTunes seemed to be the logical choice, as podcasts are developed for listening on an iPod. As it turns out, there are a lot of other options out there both from the software side of listening and the hardware side of MP3 players, but since I have an iPod, iTunes was my choice. Having equipped myself with software to record and a microphone to record with, I am ready to move on to the podcast.
Through exploring the Internet and finding other teachers that are making classroom websites, I found a great booklet online called Podcasting For Teachers and Students , a 35 page booklet with step by step instructions on using Audacity. It also provided information on how to set up my podcast to be available on iTunes. This was a part of the information that I realized that I was missing. Once I made the podcast, how DO other people get access to it? This required me to turn to a colleague that maintains his own website and also does podcasts. As it turns out, I was not done with the acquisition of software yet. I still needed a program that would allow me to send my podcast to a server that would allow people to access it. And this led, of course, to needing more information. Where do I upload it to? I am currently looking into options. Do I want to have a website, separate from the school, where I can post a blog or host a podcast? Would it be easier, and certainly more economical, to send it to the tech people at my school and have them post it on the school’s website? I will have to talk with them and find out if that is even feasible.
And so, with microphone in hand and software on the screen, I am ready to begin the production process. I have several ideas of what I would like to use the podcast for. I want to explore a little further and find out what types of podcasts are already out there, so I don’t reinvent the wheel. I need to look into the production of the podcast and plan a storyboard or script.
Resources
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final k
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Lauren,
ReplyDeleteAs usual, your style of writing has compelled me to want to read your message. The action aspect of your GAME plan is well defined and achievable. I also like the Audacity program. Thank you for sharing the website to download the booklet. The information that it provides is very useful. I only know a few functions for Audacity. I would like to be able to utilize all that this program has available. I found it interesting as you mentioned that podcasts can be downloaded to IPods. This is something that the students are very familiar with and will inspire their interest. You have presented very interesting and useful information. Good post as usual.
Kristin
Lauren
ReplyDeleteI like the tenacity that you exhibit in your action plan. There are often obstacles involved, but you seem determined to find answers. This is exactly what we want our students to do in their self-directed learning, too.
Your idea of a podcast is so good. Offering your students a chance to interact with your content via technology that they already use and like is a guaranteed motivator. Best of luck in moving forward with this inspiring idea.
Hi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI like your very organized and methodical approach to integrating technology - it reflects the systematic format of GAME. The research you engaged in to master using Podcasting was an inquiry project in and of itself, one you might want to share with your students, depending upon their age, as a model.
Monica
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteNice post here. I love how you incorporate the use of MP3 Players into your lessons. I know most of our students have MP3 players and letting them use them for assignments is a great way to use technology that our students have and like to use. It is also great to use technology that our kids are interested in.
I also like how you are so resourceful to use the help of a colleague to assist in the technical aspect of getting your GAME plan up and running. Having a quick and easy conversation is a nice way to save a ton of time in research figuring out how to get your podcasts on i-tunes. It also aligns you with a valuable asset in future technology issues.
This is a nice blog post with lots of great ideas. Thanks for sharing, and keep up the great work!