For this internship I was asked to research educational podcasts to learn more information on how podcasts are being used by educational organizations. Educational podcasts are used to keep educators informed of effective models for technology integration to improve instruction and increase student achievement, to discuss hot topics in education, and to evaluate new and interesting products as they enter the educational market. Podcasts can be single sessions or consist of multiple sessions with frequency varying from daily to weekly to monthly. The length of a podcast also varies from a short few minutes to longer lengths. No matter what the topic, there are specific organizational structures to podcasting. Some podcasts are the thoughts of just one person while others include more people. Podcast models include:
This model is similar to the format used for a blog where one person views his/her thoughts on a particular topic. Topics range from Basic education to Web 2.0 tools. This model requires an interesting topic and a person with a good radio voice.
This model is used to ask questions and seek information from another person. Journalistic skills of interviewing are important. Preparing questions followed by listening to the answers and using good follow-up questions make this model informative.
This model uses two people in a discussion format. They could be looking at the pros and cons of a topic or like two sports commentators giving a play-by-play on a topic.
Many popular educational conferences will podcast their Keynote speakers & other presenters.
In this model the teacher will prepare content to be delivered to students over the Internet through audio or video presentations. This model is used to enhance core concepts and issues.
The Student/Teacher or The Student/Student
Students create digital stories to reflect on their learning and as evidence of learning. In this model students demonstrate sufficient understanding of the topic to produce an original communication.
Research-based, disciplinary-specific pedagogical models are needed to support practitioners in applying podcast technology within already-established institutional e-learning contexts. The following website illustrates such research.
It is an informal and flexible learning format that allows students to conveniently revisit material.