We mentioned the impact that technology has made in the classroom, and briefly discussed ways to integrate QR codes and Digital Storytelling. Now we want to share another tool: Podcasts.

Image from iStock

The word podcast is taken from the word iPod, but the act of podcasting is not limited to iPod users only. A podcast is a pre-recorded audio program that can be downloaded to a computer or mobile device. They are often made available through websites for immediate delivery, and users may even subscribe to have episodes fed to their device on a daily or weekly basis. Here are some ways to use Podcasting in the classroom:

• Organize substitute teachers: Provide substitute teachers with instructions for a class, or demonstrate how a typical class period runs. You can even break down your podcasts by subject.
• School announcements: Allow students to create announcements to share among peers. They can interview administrators, teachers and classmates to create a weekly or daily news outlet. Schools can even make important announcements via podcasts on their websites.
• Inform absent students: Help an absent student to catch-up on missed material. Provide a brief summary of the class they missed so that they can remain up-to-date. Use handouts as digital images and create a slide show.
• Communicate with parents: Share your students’ work with parents and engage them in class happenings. School administrators can also inform parents on recent events and important dates.

There are endless ways to use podcasts in the classroom, and the above-mentioned are few among the many. They give a creative approach to engaging students, parents, and faculty. Podcasts can even give life to monotonous lesson plans and day-to-day activities. The following video provides more background on podcasts and how to use them to enhance teaching: Teachers.tv

Can you come up with another way to use podcasts in the classroom?