Podcasting

What:

Podcasts are voice or video recordings on just about any subject you care to consider! Recording stories is a wonderful way of introducing oral storytelling to a class, as well as a unique way of sharing student work with the school community.

Free web based recording and publishing tools can be found in the Media Library.

Ease of use:

This depends on the application you chose, but some degree of difficulty must be assumed. Peer coaches are particularly suggested for a podcasting exercise.

Writing application:

Radio plays are a fun way of exploring narrative through podcasting with a group. Write the script, assign the roles, practice your play and then record. If the software available to you allows it, you can add sound effects and music to give the result a professional edge.

Writing application:

Oral histories are a great way of introducing podcasting to a class. Record a podcast that relays local histories, intended to be downloaded and listened to at a specific location. It might be key locations on the grounds of the school, or telling the story of local shop owners or a memorial in the park next door. Refer also [Murmer] in the Stories section.

Suited: Late primary onward.

Teaching with an existing text:

Recording a discussion between students related to a class text is a good way of helping to galvanize students to focus on a narrative. It is suggested that students put together a series of discussion points as a class and then pair off to prepare answers. Then record the discussions as a podcast - you can use the best results as a resource in other classes.

Teaching with an existing text:

If you're studying a class play, recording several sections, or all of the play as a class in a podcast is a fantastic way of exploring the story together. You can assign roles, then explore the character as a class - advising the actors each week on what state of mind they are in at the time, the influencing factors on the characters etc. In this way, you can unpack the play and characters within it. Rotating the roles amongst the class members is particularly advised.