Podcasting 101

Podcasting offers a new “digital era” tool for capturing the minds and imaginations of teachers and learners alike.

Why are learners more likely to want to use a podcast, or any other form of technology, rather than wanting to listen to a teacher live?

Podcasting, or any other technology for that matter, is no substitute for a focused one-to-one or one-to-many learning session with a motivated and qualified teacher or coach.

Podcasting does offer an opportunity for learners with diverse learning needs and different learning styles to learn or review content using their strongest modalities. If the podcast is a video podcast, it offers the visual learner an option for review and reflection. The auditory learner can play and replay content indefinitely. The kinesthetic learner can play the time-shifted content outside of school where movement is less-restricted. Podcasts can be a boon to those working with students who have special learning or attention needs. They offer an alternative to engage the “digital learner.” HRD has a current library of Podcasts available for teachers, coaches, and professional developers at http://www.hrdpods.blogspot.com.