Podcast experiences

Podcasting has great potential to allow student to learn in the context of his or her individual style and to take some control of their learning and teaching environment. I feel very strongly and the research validates that student learning is more effective when a student’s individual learning style is considered and when the student has the power to contribute as a teacher. A learner retains a small amount of what they are told, more of what they experience and most of what they teach others. Podcasts definitely provide an opportunity for students to express their individual creativity in learning and to teach which reinforces the new knowledge.

My first experience with podcasts was a little unnerving. I wanted the broadcast to be smooth and sound polished although I understood part of the charm of the podcast is its amateur quality. Some young people are confident and they may thrive in this environment while others, who are shy may need more encouragement to fully participate. In the same manner that blogs allow a quiet student who does not speak out in class to have a voice, the podcast can be used to give a student who is not comfortable speaking in front of a large audience a safe means of “performing” and being heard by others. This type of forum can be used to possibly alleviate the anxiety and increase a student’s confidence.