Podcasts: Potent or Powerless?

Podcasts are changing the way our technologically-connected societies obtain information. The word is derived from the term "broadcast," with the word "pod" implying that users listen to or watch podcasts on portable media players like iPods. The ability to incorporate multimedia in a creative way to impart information makes podcasts very flexible. In addition, podcasts can be downloaded to a device when Internet access is available, and can then be enjoyed without the Internet, since it becomes a file on the user's device. This creates a huge advantage in terms of the use of the information in podcasts. There are myriad apps that allow users to access content through podcasts. One great example is NPR's app for podcasts that allows users to download whole shows to listen to at their leisure. How, though, would podcasts work in our classrooms?

--In an ideal world in which all students have their own devices, podcasts level the playing field for those who do not have internet at home. At the end of each day, students can download content using the Internet at school, and then watch the podcasts that are saved to their devices.

--Students could create any variety of projects in the context of authentic scenarios. For instance, these students created podcasts as if they were art experts.

--Students at any age and level have the ability to create podcasts. Thus, there is incredible flexibility in connecting podcasts to standards.

Podcasts do require significant forethought. One of the hallmarks of successful podcasts is a clear structure, denoting a beginning, middle, and end. It is crucial for us as educators to establish clear guidelines for our students when they create podcasts. With this technique, the possibilities are endless. However, it also requires astute planning and guidance for students to make successful ones.