Podcasting, Vidoecasting, and Live Streaming

The possibilities of podcasting, videocasting, and live streaming upon and in education are interesting to consider because of the increased levels of interaction these tools allow not only between students and the material but also one another. This seems to be a reoccurring theme within EDU 331. For me personally, the utilization of technology as a tool will likely be essential to my teaching style and practices. As related to these specific tools, I believe they are another potential layer which could be utilized to increase and develop students’ understanding of the specific subject matter being taught and skills of tools which are increasing in necessity for future generations to function within future society.

First and foremost, I am traditional in the understanding that as much information as possible should be taken away from classroom instruction through various readings (form may vary and utilize technology e.g. RSS) as well as responsible lecture and discussion groups. After this stage of learning, students should be challenged to engage the material outside of the classroom and the school in general through writing tools such as blogs. At this point, more interactive tools such as podcasts could be utilized for students to take their formed and written ideas and create a verbal expression of the ideas. The main objective of all these forms is activity with material, discussion, and further thought. In the end, a video production of some type could be utilized in which students’ are challenged to create a full-fledged “teacher” style lesson through which other students could be exposed to new ideas for the first time.

These levels of interaction increase in complexity of task as the students’ learn valuable skills not only of the subject specific materials but also of many other skills such as: rational and analytical thought, effective writing, discussion and support of points (written and verbal), teamwork, professionalism, commitment, discipline, communication skills, technology skills, etc. I am beginning to see benefits of technology which I did not previously understand and/or appreciate.