Just like listening to audiobooks through electronic devices, podcasts are becoming more and more popular. These iPod-based audio broadcasts encompass a wide variety of subjects, such as entrepreneurship, politics, history, to entertaining series on serial killers. These downloadable series can be subscribed to, so you automatically get the next installment. However, podcasts can be utilized in the classroom, primarily to promote learning.

How? I am glad you asked. In this piece, I will discuss the two ways that teachers can use podcasts to promote learning.

Students can learn just by listening to podcasts

There are educational podcasts that can be used by teachers to supplement instruction, as remediation, or to replace instruction. You can find podcasts that teach literacy, math, science, social studies, etc. All you must do is look. Students will love the personalities and likable nature of many of the hosts and have a blast. For many, it will feel like a treat to listen to their favorite podcast, rather than listen to a lecture. Since most the presenters are educators, there is no need to worry about the quality are accuracy of the information that is presented. Even the podcasts that are not created by educators are really accurate.

If you are into the flipped classroom model, podcasts are perfect. For instance, students can listen to a podcast that discusses thermodynamics at home, which will provide them with valuable content knowledge on the subject. Since students already have background knowledge on the subject, class time can be used for problem-based, project-based, phenomenon-based or challenge-based learning.

Students can learn by creating their own podcasts

Personal fame is a great motivator! Students will love seeing their names in the credits of weekly current events report re-packaged as a news broadcast, complete with anchors and camera techs! For this reason, you should consider allowing your students produce, record, and distribute their own podcasts. Podcasting will use the various skills and strength of your students. Writers, speakers, researchers, tech specialists, and set designers will be needed. (Think School of Rock!)

Podcasts can be either audio only, like a radio show, or audiovisual, like a television show. You will most likely have the capacity to do either with the devices you have available. Nearly all tablets, laptops, notebooks, etc. are audiovisual enabled, that is, they have sound recording and video recording capacity.

There are apps (applications) to help with recording and editing. Video editing, audio production, sound effects, visual enhancements, you name it, there is an app to assist in and improve upon your experience and production.

Can you think of any additional ways that teachers can use podcasts to promote learning?