Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Do You Podcast?

DO YOU PODCAST?


Have you entered the world of podcasting? If you don't know what podcasting is-- check out this link. Basically, a podcast is no different than a webcast. It is a show broadcasted over the web. Most podcasts are similar to news radio programs and deliver information on a regular basis. You then subscribe to them using itunes.  Podcasts are most popular on Apple's iPod and iPhone devices, hence the name podcast, but a podcast can be enjoyed from a number or sources. The beauty of subscribing to a podcast, is that idelivered to you automatically and you can listen at your leisure.

If you haven't delved into the world of podcasts, you should!  Itunes has podcasts for everything-- from gardening, sports, comedy, to even learning about teaching strategies. For quite a while now, I have been listening to The Moth and This American Life as I work out on the threadmill. I haven't listened to many education podcasts because, to be honest, I haven't found many that hold my attention. This week, I did some more searching and found a few that were of interest.


Listen and Play Podcast - BBC  This is a podcast for our little ones. It is a  literacy resource for children aged 3 to 5. It includes songs, traditional rhymes and stories. Programs are available weekly.
  • These podcasts are very interesting to little ones and would be great for quiet time
  • I would use these with lower elementary students, primarily kinders or pre-k kids.
  • The segments are fast paced and different formats to keep them engaging.
  • 15 minutes in length- perfect for kids this age
  • The only problem with this podcast is the English Accent, it may be hard for some children to understand
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Tech Chick Tips  A podcast directed by two Texas teacher- tech chicks (Helen and Anna )that are into anything digital and want to share tips and tricks.They share lots and lots of links and ideas in their show notes.
  • These ladies are interesting and engaging. Silly banter, but informative at the same time.
  • The content is relevant to the classroom and current trends in technology
  • Even though it was lengthy, the content held my attention?
  • The podcasts are around 1 hour long. Which is long enough to cover various topics. 
  • Even though I enjoyed the banter between these two ladies, it might distract the listener or put them off. Listen to a few of their shows before you decide to subscribe.


TeacherCast TeacherCast.net  is a site developed by Jeff Bradbury to help out his fellow teachers learn about the latest technologies available for education. He produces podcasts and reviews apos reviews. 
  •  I thought this podcast was very informative and current.
  •  This podcast is relevant to a teacher implementing tech in the classroom
  • This podcast was informative and also was presented in a conversational format that kept it engaging.?
  • The podcasts average around 30 minutes long. 
  • I have only listened to the one podcast and I am not sure if they are too self promoting- I haven't listened enough. Again, listen to a few shows to see if this is a show you are interested in.




These are just a few that I found when searching through itunes. What are you listening to?? If you find anything great- Let us know!

1 comment:

  1. Andi,

    Glad to hear that you are using podcasts while working out. You are exercising your mind and your body. You have provided some great podcasts. TeacherCast is a big hit amongst our classmates.

    What do you like about it? I look forward to seeing how you use what you learn here to create your podcast(s).

    Z

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