Podcasts have gone from a trot to a gallop in the last 5 years. Audiences are broadening, content is diversifying, and they have become a pillar of communication within education, news, sports and entertainment. We know the importance of developing strong writers in todays world but I would argue it is equally important for our students to understand the components and craft of producing quality media to communicate information.
Educators should increasingly consider diversifying student choice and provide opportunities to engage in various contemporary modes of communication beyond the confines of 19th century communication. I am not saying replace the practice of a well crafted written paper, but rather enhance the learning and compliment written work with verbal communication. Podcasting is a great way for students to learn the art of verbal communication and share their knowledge and understanding with an authentic audience, expanding their motivational capacity beyond the letter grade and single teacher audience.
1. Quality of sound matters:
Just as we teach accurate grammar in writing, quality of sound matters within the creation of a podcast. Do some research and invest in some quality digital microphones. Designate a podcasting area that is quiet and as sound proof as possible. If your school does not have space to spare, get creative and create portable sound proof boxes (pictured below). Our school didn't have a space so we decided to create a mobile media lab where students could check out quality equipment. If you need ideas on how to record remote interviews then you can check out Zencastr or here is a tip about recording through Zoom.
2. Script or no Script?
It is important to have a general script and outline of how you want to organize your podcast, but do not read your research paper. It is not an audio book. Podcasts are suppose to be engaging and conversational, pulling in guests, interviews, and using sound effects & music when appropriate. NPR's This American Life does this really well.
3. Edit Edit Edit
Editing is probably one of the most important and time consuming aspects in the process of creating a good podcast. It may start out slow, but once you learn some shortcuts and tricks, editing becomes easier. GarageBand and Audacity are great options for editing. Any stumbling on words, unwanted background noise, um's, uh's, or unwanted information should be edited out.
4. Don't be Shy... Share
Have your students share their podcasts with peers, the school community, or even on the public domain. Some schools create podcast channels where teachers and students can post work and share with the community. There are several podcast hosts out there. Soundcloud and Podbean are two popular resources. The sharing of student work can motivate them in a different way than the traditional letter grade, stretching beyond the limited reach of only their teacher. Check out our schools podcast channel, Seawolf Radio.
5. Listen to professional podcasters
Listening to professional podcasters is a great way to gain a greater understanding of how a good show is put together. Find some good podcasts related to your curriculum, and integrate them into your lessons or assignments. Include reflection beyond the topic, and ask your students to point out the basic component of the podcast that kept them engaged & listening. Here are a few of my favorite podcasts:
Some recent podcasts our Tabor Academy students have created:
Some Podcasting Resources:
Record and Edit
Anchor- awesome and simple podcasting tool
Zencaster - Record remote interviews
Hosting Sites
Royalty Free Sound Effects & Music
Tutorials
