Blog Post #4

Eagles Nest Radio & Class Blog
Wow!  I have to admit that up until I listened to the Eagles Nest radio and class blog, I have been a bit skeptical of the idea of letting elementary age children have access to technology like blogging and podcasts, especially at school.  I have a daughter who is currently a 3rd grader, and I thought that I would prefer to be able to supervise her at home when and if I thought she needed to use those tools.  I could not imagine an "educational" purpose that would merit a child that age having access to them.  I was wrong.  After hearing the Eagle's Nest podcasts, I was amazed at the information they presented, and that they did it in such a professional way!  I can absolutely see how doing those podcasts on things like history and science would allow them to not only memorize the information, but use it in a way they will not ever forget.  The first podcast I listened to was called "Roamin' With the Ancient Romans".  I bet they will always remember what they presented in their podcast, whereas, if they had memorized and then just tested on the material, it probably would be forgotten before the next week.  I can definitely see the difference between what those students did and what Dr.  Strange calls burp back education.  Not only are the students learning the material in a more effective way, but they are also learning poise,  presentation skills, and professionalism...in the 3rd grade!   Their blog allows them to not only read their literature, but to really use critical thinking skills while discussing it.  I would love for my daughter to be able to do that in her class.  I will definitely be doing them in mine.   

The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom by Joe Dale
I found this video to be full of really good suggestions as to how podcasts could be incorporated into my classroom.  Mr.  Dale talks about how students today live in a world where technology is part of their every day lives.  Lessons that involves technology, including podcasts, are familiar and relevant to these students.   He made a suggestion that I would use in my own class.  He said that a teacher could record his or her lecture as a podcast, and then students could go back and listen to the podcast for review.  I think that's a really good suggestion, and I will definitely try that.  Students could also use the information that they are learning to make a podcast as a project.  Mr.  Dale said that another reason that podcasts are a valuable classroom tool is that they help students to use the higher level thinking levels from Bloom's Taxonomy.  I really appreciate how he used real life examples of ways this could benefit students, like when they are out sick.

The Education Podcasting Network
This website is a really informative resource for educators.  I thought that it was especially helpful because it gave very basic, practical information, including a section labeled, "What is a Podcast".  This allows teacher who may not be as familiar with technology to go to this website and find the information they need to get started using podcasts.  It also teaches you the best way to search for and subscribe to podcasts that you find valuable.  Having access to so many teachers and people in the education community gives a beginning teacher such a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw from.  I can see how, especially as a new teacher, I will turn to this website many times.