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.
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