Will Richardson writes in his book Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms, p. 112 (2006) that “Podcasting is basically the creation and distribution of amateur radio, plain and simple.” Many educators are using programs such as Audacity to create lessons and lectures to attach to their websites and blogs for easy access by the students. One college professor said that, unless the student has a reason to see my face, there is no reason to create a video when simple podcasting will do the same thing. Podcasts are easier to create and take much less space than a video. If the professor or teacher needs to demonstrate a concept or idea, there are other ways to create that lesson such as using Camtasia to demonstrate software as an example.
Podcasts are most often used by students as an oral reporting venue. They can report on education events within the classroom, podcast interviews, and podcast reviews. Foreign languages can be taught using a podcast from which the student can hear the words pronounced. Students can create reenactments of historical events. Students can record their oral book reports or record their literature circle discussion group for broadcasting. Music teachers can have students take turns giving weekly recitals. There are a plathora of inventive ideas that can make podcasting an enriching experience in the classroom. Podcasting can be used as one more tool to integrate technology into the regular classroom curriculum.
