Podcasting+in+Our+Schools+and+Libraries

As we forge further into the 21st century, our teachers and students continue to utilize new instructional technology in innovative ways to enhance both teaching and learning. One of the latest technological innovations slowly creeping its way into Uniondale schools and libraries is “podcasting.” While it may sound like a concept that would appear in science fiction movies, it is, in fact, one of the many ways in which technology is being used to spark interest (and learning) in students and educators alike. So, what exactly is a podcast? A podcast is simply a digital voice recording (often mixed with sounds and/or music) that is created and posted to the Internet. The recording itself can range from a brief news update or editorial piece to a lecture or an interview that is several hours in length. These recordings are then saved as digital audio files which can be downloaded or even subscribed to via the Internet. A downloaded podcast is portable—it can be saved not only to a computer, but to an MP3 player or iPod as well. A subscription to a podcast will deliver the latest installments of a podcast series directly to your computer via e-mail. Essentially, podcasts are new, portable, and easily accessible means of sharing information electronically. Although podcasting is a very new concept here in Uniondale schools, the implications for school, classroom, or library use are significant. While digital voice recordings are not appropriate for every school or library-related task, there are myriad learning situations in which podcasting can be successfully applied. Educators can use this format not only to share information but also to differentiate instruction to reach students of varying learning styles. Podcasts can be used at both the district and school level to share school news and/or promote school events. This format is also ideal for school libraries. It is an excellent way to promote exciting library programs and events or to share valuable information about books, reading, and literacy. Schools and libraries alike can use podcasts to post such things as “booktalks,” interviews, lectures, and research projects. Students can create their own podcasts to either share their experiences during the research process or share the final products they created. Podcasts can even be used as an additional means of professional development for teachers and staff. Thanks to the efforts of technology teacher Henry Chu, Uniondale High School is the first school in Nassau County to have introduced podcasting to the community. Take a look at the high school website, [|http://uhs.uniondaleschools.org] and look for the link under "School Resources." I plan to use podcasting at Lawrence Road Middle School to promote the library, literacy, and school events. I am certain that as the “podcasting buzz” spreads, other members of our school community will begin to use this innovative form of technology in their own classrooms and libraries. Podcasting will offer yet another way to enhance the processes of both instruction and learning.

--Paula Trapani-Wiener