Solomon and Schrum (2014) defines podcast as “an audio or video netcast (streamed or nonstreamed).” The podcast tools I previewed were PodOMatic and Podbean. Podomatic allows you to create, find, and share podcasts, customize a podcast page, get audience data, share video and photos, and be part of a podcast community. Podbean allows you to create podcasts in three easy steps and upload, publish, manage, and promote your podcasts. It also allows you to store and manage podcast subscriptions. (Solomon and Schrum, 2014) I tried using the recording tool on Podomatic with no success. I then went to Podbean and discover I needed to first record my audio somewhere else. Trying to create my very first podcast proved to be a challenge. First, I had to locate the sound recorder on Windows 8. Then, I recorded my script and could not retrieve it. I spent several hours searching for it using the Windows search feature, I am still searching. I tried one last option, go to the Internet and search for free sound software. I was able to find two good ones, RecordPad and WavePad. I do not enjoy listening to myself talk.
I immediately began thinking about how I could use these tools in my classroom. I could make audio recordings of the stories read in class and embedded them in Google Classroom for my students to listen to at home. I could also use the tools to record messages to my parents about news and changes in the classroom. This could lead in the right direction for flipping my classroom. Solomon and Schrum (2014) describes flipped classrooms as “a model of teaching and learning that inverts the traditional structure of teacher-centered instruction in class and homework at home.”
Another tool to aid in flipping my class is Jing. Jing is a screen capture software that allows you to share a snapshot of a project, collaborate on it, narrate it, or add comments (Solomon and Schrum, 2014). Vimeo is another great tool to use for implementing blended learning. Vimeo is similar to YouTube, this site also allows you to publish and share your own video creations with the world (Solomon and Schrum, 2014).
These tools could support students with diverse learning needs by providing a way to make content accessible to student for whom it might not otherwise be a possibility. Students with learning disabilities can learn at their own pace because they will have the opportunity to view or listen to podcast or vodcast (a video podcast) several times. Podcast or vodcast can be used as a review or acceleration of content for diverse learners.
Practice Podcast | |
The Internet exposes students to a whole new world. The students could use the Internet to collaborate with other students globally. Hobgood and Ormsby (2011) states, “A culturally inclusive classroom environment includes ready access to materials that provide a rich and global perspective on the world and allows each person to feel valued as a result of his or her background.” They go on to suggest using outside experts through the use of the Internet from diverse backgrounds. Teachers can use the web to find information about students’ cultures. When teachers provide instruction that is culturally responsive, the level of student engagement increases because it makes the learning more appropriate and effective for them.
The Internet and Web 2.0 tools can be used to connect students to the outside world. Blogging sites like Edublogs and Kidblog allows students to create their own blogs exposing them to a global online educational community. The students can share ideas and examples of learning with each other. Research has shown that children sometimes learn better from the peers.
References
Hobgood, B. & Ormsby, L. (2011). Inclusion in the 21st-century classroom: Differentiating with technology. Retrieved on February 26, 2016 from http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/every-learner/6776.
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2014). Web 2.0 how-to for educators (2nd ed.). Eugene, OR. ISTE
The Internet and Web 2.0 tools can be used to connect students to the outside world. Blogging sites like Edublogs and Kidblog allows students to create their own blogs exposing them to a global online educational community. The students can share ideas and examples of learning with each other. Research has shown that children sometimes learn better from the peers.
References
Hobgood, B. & Ormsby, L. (2011). Inclusion in the 21st-century classroom: Differentiating with technology. Retrieved on February 26, 2016 from http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/every-learner/6776.
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2014). Web 2.0 how-to for educators (2nd ed.). Eugene, OR. ISTE