Chapter 8

Podcasting will be a unique way to connect with students and parents in a school environment. It could be used as a way to provide summaries of what was covered in class for students who have been absent or could be a neat way to provide audio/visual connections for parents who want to see what is going on in their child's classroom or school. The school as a whole could also use podcasting as a way to publish special events, field trips, or provide recognition to outstanding staff, students, faculty or community members. Beyond these uses and those mentioned by Richardson, I am at a loss as to how or why to use podcasting in a classroom or school.

More than anything else, this type of technology and media seems like it would be most appropriate in the form of keeping listeners up to date on issues or trends in a field, or expert commentary on various ideas or topics. Podcasting in a classroom at this point sounds like using technology for the sake of using technology. This is merely my current opinion, I may change my mind in the future upon better understanding of the capabilities of podcasting.

I am quite intrigued by the possibility of using screencasting, such as with the use of Skype. I think it would be a great experience for students to communicate with other students their age across the country or even across the globe. Students could interact and discuss what they are studying, the differences in culture, their different interests, or even collaborate on a project. This would be such a unique learning opportunity, and I am very interested to learn more about programs such as Skype.