Do you "PODCAST"?

In this digital age, we write, we post, we download, we upload, we subscribe, we Instagram, we Tweet, we follow, we unfollow, we invite Friends, we Facebook, we Vine, we Snap Chat, we "Like" and just like you and I are doing at this very moment...we Blog.  All of these are great ways to share, communicate and collaborate.  Well, in case you haven't had the opportunity to try this one out, let me introduce you to the Podcast.



There are a lot of great podcast tools out there.  Many of the podcast tools are free...but, as with "free", there are limits to what you get for that..."price."

• Some podcast tools are host sites - meaning they allow you to upload a previously recorded audio file, made with a different tool, to their host site.

• Some of the podcast tools have a "recording" feature and also serve as a host site.  Most often than not, these kinds of sites are a better deal, but this kind of deal may come with a fee.  Not that there's anything wrong with that...it just depends on what works best for you.  A podcast could be very beneficial to the auditory learners in your class.

• Some of the podcast tools include editing features, but many do not.  You may have to use a third party tool to do the editing, or adding of background music if you so choose.

Along with the fun you'll have coming up with great podcast ideas, the byproduct is that a podcast allows students to develop several skills that they can use across the entire curriculum, such as: improving research and information fluency,  developing problem solving skills, refining time management and organizational skills,  and becoming better writers and public speakers.

Most of the readers of this Blog have probably listened to a podcast of some kind?  Maybe you've listened to a podcast of a sermon, an inspirational speaker, the head of a successful company or an author.



But how would you use it as an educator?  Here are a few suggestions:

TEACHERS
Record your lesson activity for students
Create audible homework assignments
Report classroom news for Parents
Record your "guest speakers" (with their permission)



STUDENTS
Practice storytelling and presentation skills
Record classroom announcements
Do "commercials" for a school program or play
Create a newscast



ADMINISTRATORS
Record Weekly Bulletins
Record your "State of the School Address"
Send an Audible Invitation to your school's PTO, SIC or Open House

Take a look for what's out there on the Internet.  Search for the podcast tool, editing tool, and other podcast ideas that might fit your needs and style.


Here are  couple of sites that list Podcast tools:
https://sites.google.com/site/richardbyrnepdsite/podcasting-resources


http://mashable.com/2007/07/04/podcasting-toolbox/



See you...I mean hear you later,



Keith

Take a Chance on Success

Try these three things to get you on your way to becoming more computer savvy.

1.  Explore a Tool.

Most are very "intuitive."  Who out there has a Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter account?  Who taught you how to do those?  Did you go to a class to learn how to use them?  Probably not.  You most likely just worked your way around and learned it on your own or even asked someone to show you.  Spend 10 minutes a day trying out a new tool.  If you can find a video tutorial on the tool, that is even better.

2.  Connect to a PLN.

Twitter, Edmodo, Remind 101, Wiki ... are all examples of Professional Learning Networks.  There are hundreds of them. Having is one thing. Using is another. It's like owning a boat:  you can't wait to get it, ride a few times, fish, etc., but for most folks, it sits on a trailer or at the dock. Set the tools to notify you as to your preferences.  Most tools have a way they can do this easily.  Check your PLN regularly.  Actively involve yourself.

3.  Take the Next Step. 

Read a Blog. Start a blog. Create a Weebly. Turn the resources you have into a Performance Task.  Make a Photo Story or Movie. Learn to edit.

     By nature, we move forward. How many of you have kids…or have been around those first learning to walk?  They pull themselves along, then crawl, then toddle, then walk.  But if you watch carefully, when they first start to get up, and they fall…they generally fall forward.  Up, balance, hold on for support, and take a first step... maybe a second step. Fall forward. FORWARD!!!  Then UP...and FAIL again until we progress... 2-3-4 steps... SUCCESS! 

    
     Kids then begin running, hopping, skipping... climbing...you are pulling your hair out... Oh sorry, that's when it transfers over to the parents.

      The point being that we succeed when we move forward, a little at a time at first until we gain the confidence to move faster.  Take a chance on success for your own sake... And for those you lead.

If you only get one thing from this blog post, think on this: 

I believe people aren't so much afraid of FAILING... But afraid they will SUCCEED and do nothing with it!

Keith