Podcasting in the Classroom

Podcasting in the Classroom
By Brian Flanagan and Brendan Calandra

This article explains what podcasting is and how it can be incorporated into the classroom. Podcasting is something that allows people to download radio or media files onto their computer. The person then can listen to what they have downloaded on their computer or an MP3 player.
In 2004, Duke University wanted to introduce iPods to their incoming freshman, so they gave out about 1,650 during orientation. Already downloaded onto these iPods were an orientation schedule, academic calendar and many other things. These iPods were then used in 16 classes during fall semester. Professors used them for "1. course content dissemination, 2. classroom recording, 3. field recording, 4. study support, and 5. file storage and transfer". The students could keep their iPods and use them throughout the rest of their collegiate career.
Podcasting can be useful for music and language teachers especially, so that their students can listen to music and be able to critic it or listen to foreign language, plays, music and literature. Podcasting can also be used in many other school subject areas for many different reasons. Students can even record onto their iPods for field research projects. Vodcasting, which is videos on the podcast are also used.
Some things that a podcast user needs to be careful with it that they do not only download something they have permission to download. Teachers must make sure the material they have their students downloaded is suitable and not inappropriate. It think podcasting can be a very helpful and beneficial tool to both teachers and students.

Q1. Would I use podcasting in my classroom?
A1. Yes, I would incorporate podcasting into my classroom. I think it is a different and fun way for students to learn. It gives variety so that students are not listening to lectures or staring at a book or computer to do their work.

Q2. What are some drawbacks with using podcasting?
A2. Some drawbacks with using podcasting is the fact that either the school or student needs to have enough money to buy an iPod or other podcast device. Also, all students need to be taught how to use their podcast easily and effectively, but i do not necessarily see this as a drawback.

Virtual Ideology: Using Online Quizzes to Help Students Develop Personal Political Values

Virtual Ideology: Using Online Quizzes to Help Students Develop Personal Political Values

By William Russell

This articles discusses the issue regarding the fact that many children are not familiar with politics and political issues.  Children often times do not learn or do not want to learn about politics.  When they are asked what their political views are a common response is that they have the same political views as their parents, which maybe be entirely wrong.

A few good political party quizzes were found online that were suitable to fix this issue of children not knowing important information regarding political parties and which one to identify with.  Specific questions are asked on these web pages that when answered will help define the individuals political views.

The teacher who was having his students take these quizzes first had the children write down which political party they thought they would be affiliated with.  Out of the 50 children who took these quizzes, 30 of the students were defined as supporting a different political party than they thought they believed in.  This lesson allowed for the children to be more open-minded and willing to learn more about the different political parties and their beliefs.

I personally think this lesson was a great and beneficial thing to do.  I remember in grade school, I had no idea about political views.  When I was asked which party I was affiliated with I always just said that name of the party my parents were a part of.

Q1. Will this idea of having students take these quizzes be beneficial to them?

A1. I believe students take these political party quizzes they will become more open-minded and learn so much more about politics so that they can give their own personal opinion about which party they are affiliated with and not someone else's opinion.

Q2. If I was a social studies teacher would I use this lesson in my classroom?

A2.  Of course I would use this lesson in my classroom if I was a social studies teacher.  I would want my students to be as aware as possible about politics and the different political parties.  If they know information about political issues they will hopefully be able to support their beliefs when asked about politics.