Tips, Tools and Technology for Educators

Part 1 of 2

Feeds, Metadata, and Queues - Oh My!

Audio and video podcasting, broadcasting an audio or video recording online that can be heard through a computer or downloaded to a mobile device like an iPod, is a revolutionary tool for educators. Unfortunately, many educators are reluctant to get started with podcasting because it can be rather intimidating to learn. A quick glance at iTunes podcasting page even makes me a little uneasy. Fortunately many companies offer tools for educators to use to make this process simple on no to a low budget.

The Who, What, and Why

Podcasts are engaging, dynamic, and authentic teaching and learning tools. Everyone can benefit from listening to and creating audio and video podcasts.

Podcasting for EduBloggers

Educational bloggers can use audio and video podcasts to spice up their blogs and better interact with their professional or personal learning networks. Like my colleague Lauren and I do on eLearningToday.TV, bloggers can use podcasts as a platform for discussing tips, tools, and trends in education - or really anything they feel is valuable to share. Doing so will help them reflect on their own learning and help themselves and others grow as educators.

EXAMPLES:

• eLearning Today TV
• Bit by Bit
• Middle School Matters

Podcasting for Administrators, Teachers, and Coaches

Administrators, teachers, and coaches can use audio and video podcasts as a school to home connection. By podcasting school or classroom news, lectures, presentations, study materials, events, or more online or in iTunes administrators, teachers, and coaches can communicate more easily and effectively with students and families.

EXAMPLES:

• Stories for Kids
• AP Chemistry Podcast

Podcasting for Students

My favorite use of podcasts in education is when student utilize them for publishing their learning and creativity on a worldwide platform. Students can use audio and video podcasts in project based learning environments, to make documentaries, or as an enrichment tool. Podcasts serve as creative, authentic, and dynamic formative assessments and portfolios of student learning. Plus, the fact that it gives students an audience is a motivational and engagement tool that leads to higher quality work and participation.

EXAMPLES:

• SocialVoice
• Coulee Kids
• Dream Extreme
  

 

***Check back Monday for Part 2: The How of Podcasting in Education (including 4 simple steps) + an eBook on Podcasting Made Simple

Photo from derrickkwa

Free Educational Resources | Interactive Whiteboard Games and Lessons by Learning Today 

Authentic Practice with the Writing Process

Scholastic's Kids are Authors Contest is an annual contest for grades K-8 designed to motivate young authors to use their reading, writing, and artistic skills to create and publish their own books. Students are encouraged to work in teams of three or more to write and illustrate their own fiction or non-fiction book.

This contest is an excellent way to provide authentic practice with the writing process. Students will feel motivated to work together in their group to draft, edit, revise and publish their writing and illustrations. One fiction book and one non-fiction book will be chosen to be published by Scholastic and sold at book fairs around the country.  

Fiction and Non-Fiction Winners

By May 31, 2010 two grand prize winners (one fiction and one non-fiction) and 25 honorable mentions will be selected. Grand Prize winning teams will receive $5000 in merchandize from the Scholastic Book Fairs Instructional Resource Catalog to the school of their choice as well as 100 copies of their published book, framed award certificates, and gold medallions. Winners that receive honorable mention will receive $500 in merchandize from the Scholastic Book Fairs Instructional Resource Catalog to the school of their choice as well as award certificates.

How to Get Started

Scholastic recommends this process to get started:

1. Introduce the program by reading books from past winners.
2. Form small groups centered around student interest of 3 or more students to work together on the contest.
3. Focus on books and authors by reading a variety of authors and illustrators. Compare and contrast their author styles, author's purpose. Review story elements such as plot, theme, and characters.
4. Provide idea starters for your students. What characters do you want to include? Where does the story take places? What is the time period? What will happen in the story? Is there a problem or conflict? What is the purpose of the story? What response do you want from the reader? How will the problem be resolved? What is the theme of your story?
5. I recommend going over the rules and regulations with students ahead of time before students begin drafting their story.

All entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2010. Click here for the entry form to get started today.

 

Free Teacher Resources by Learning Today