Podcasting

It's time to talk about podcasting.  

This was my first time making my own podcast.

At first, I wasn't totally sold, but I think that after having the opportunity to use the technology and consider ways to implement them in the classroom, podcasts could really make lessons more interesting.

This website had some really great ideas about when and how to use podcasts in the classroom.

I like the idea of using podcasts to prepare substitute teachers since sometimes it is easier to give verbal rather than written directions (although I would probably want the written directions that I could review throughout the day).  

Teachers can update parents and families as to what students are learning throughout the day by using podcasts as well.  Teachers can upload podcasts on the class blog with a brief description of what the students learned, any homework assignments and reminders.  

For ELLs, podcasts can help them practice their listening skills.  With a review of the day's lesson, students can catch up on any information they missed throughout the day.  Additionally, absent students will be able to stay up-to-date on their work if they have access to the podcast.  

Because I am new to the podcasting world, I still find it the technology to be time-consuming.  While updates can be brief, I would feel much more comfortable writing on the class blog or putting up a video.  Perhaps I just need to give this technology more of a chance.  As with much new technology, I feel that it is important to take time experimenting and becoming comfortable with it. 

If I were to develop a podcast for students to download that they could listen to as a center or for their homework, this could be a fun activity.  Students could use recording technology for presentations, museum visits, and interviews. Students could make their own podcasts so they could practice their speaking skills (and writing skills before they record!) to educate their peers on a topic.  They can also listen to their own speaking so they can recognize any mistakes and be able to self-correct.

Overall, I think recording technology can be helpful for ELLs because it provides opportunities to work in multiple language modalities.  Students, teachers, and families can all benefit from the inclusion of podcasting and audio files in the ESOL classroom.

Website

Family involvement can be a struggle.  I've seen it.  I've heard the stories.

As a teacher, however, it is important to open communication with the students' families in order to help the student learn.  

One possible way to do this: start (and maintain) a class website.

Class websites open communication between teachers, students, and the students' families.  Parents can feel involved in their children's educational lives when the teacher invites them to check the website and see what work students are doing in the classroom.

Homework assignments may be posted for the students who forgot or the parents who want to really make sure their child is telling the truth about not having any homework on a particular night.
Additionally, teachers may choose to add resources that parents and students may access at home.  These resources can range from fun educational websites to information on the common core.

Also, making a website is fun.  It's creative and personal.  It's free.  Teachers can (with parental permission) use photographs of students, display student work, and take videos to help everyone be aware of what is going on in the classroom.

Providing this space also allows parents to contact the teacher in a neutral platform.

For ELLs and their parents, a website is great because there are so many website translators that will allow the families to access all of the information posted, as opposed to a newsletter that may have to be translated (which can be difficult, depending on the language).  Parents who speak little English may feel more comfortable communicating with the teacher through a website or e-mail when they have access to translating tools, rather than in face-to-face or (even more daunting) phone conversation.

(You can check out my website prototype here)