Online learning

The learning technology that jumped out most to me is podcasting/videocasting,  In CEP 810, I ran across the idea of the flipped classroom, and I was instantly intrigued.  Using videos that students watch on their own time to replace in-class lecturing can free teachers to use class time to interact with students, address problems, and provide feedback.  This site provides some excellent explanations and resources for teachers interested in using vodcasting and/or the flipped classroom model. There are instructions for creating and posting vodcasts, faq about the flipped class/mastery approach with answers from an educator who is doing it, and many other helpful and interesting resources.

I can also see a great deal of potential for student-created content using vodcasting.  Reason number 1: making videos is fun and engaging.  I recently helped one of my students make a flipbook-style video showing the process of mitosis (using candy to represent all the different organelles).  The video turned out looking very cool.  I had never seen this particular student work so hard and so meticulously on anything for school, and I had never seen her express any kind of pride in any of her schoolwork.  So, not only did she really get a good grasp on the concept (mitosis), she learned how to edit videos (I learned a great deal by watching her, too), and for the first time since I've known her, she showed pride and interest in producing a great project.

So I can see videos as not only a great alternative for delivering instruction, but also an engaging tool for completing assignments. The former provides teachers with a way to use face-to-face time to interact and guide students.  The latter provides students with an outlet where they can be creative and have fun while learning curricular content as well as useful technical skills.

I have trouble seeing an equally intriguing use of audio podcasts for use in the classroom.  It almost seems regressive to stick with audio when video is so prevalent and easy to use and produce.  That said, I listen to podcasts every day, for entertainment (Smodcast network), professional development (Terry Freeman's Educational Technology Podcast), and just to expose myself to interesting ideas (Freakonomics, This American Life).  Audio podcasts can be a great way to keep current and keep informed.