1. Podcasting: A Creative way to improve student achievement Larry Green (With an assist from Heather Morin) 7th Grade Social Studies Hahira Middle School

2. Quotations from others: Quote from the article: "Educators are starting to see how podcasting can help hone students’ vocabulary, writing, editing, public speaking, and presentation skills, said Dan J. Schmit, an instructional-technology specialist at the University of Nebraska’s college of education. Students can also learn skills that will be valuable in the working world, such as communication, time management, and problem-solving, he said."

3. Just what is a podcast? There are actually several types: Podcast – An audio file posted to a website made available for individual download for later play through computer or handheld device. Vodcast – A video file posted to a website made available for individual download for later play through computer or handheld device.

4. Well, how would I ever use this at school? Teachers can use podcasting as a great presentation tool. Have a student who is out? Record the day’s class and post it so he/she can listen to what was missed. Have an upcoming quiz, test, midterm, or final? Record a review of material for students to download. Have a book you’re about to assign to your class? Record a book talk to spark the students’ interest.

5. Well, how would I ever use this at school? Teachers can use podcasting as a great presentation tool. Have some students who just lose interest by the end of class? Record your closing comments, class review, and homework assigned to remind your students of the day. Have kids who arrive late? Parents interested in school activities? Record and post the daily announcements. Have a fund-raising activity? Record and post a public service announcement. Have a detailed project or assignment upcoming? Record and post the details.

6. What about the students? Can they be involved? Podcasting makes a great alternative to or additional suggestion for culminating activities. Tired of grading book reports? Let the students create book talks. Host a book club. Want to spice up the writing process? Have students podcast their how-to papers. Have students create travel podcasts about new countries. Podcast student debates. Podcast current events.

7. Sounds good, but I’d like to listen to some first. Download and install iTunes. Browse for podcasts (many are free). Subscribe to those you like, and they’ll be automatically downloaded each time you open iTunes. Download podcasts for listening to later or for sharing. Listen to podcasts live (streaming). You do not have to have a Mac or iPod specifically to create or listen to podcasts.

8. OK. So how do I get started? Audacity is the simplest program to use and is available through a free download. User friendly controls Several tracks of audio Save as either .wav or .mp3 (with a decoder download)

9. Pointers I have found useful. Be aware of each button and its use Script out what you want to say Create pauses about every minute or even less

10. Pointers I have found useful. Pauses makes editing easier Be aware of distracting noises Make sure you turn the microphone ON

11. Parent Comments “Wow I even listened” “Helps me monitor what is on a test” “Glad to see an Ipod put to better use”

12. In Summary Podcasting is an educational tool even I could use. Creative and Innovative Tool even parents think is productive

13. Resources Heather Morin (PGM) Debra Martin (HMS) Lowndes County School System

14. Special Thanks to: Al Rowell and his entire staff. To all educators in Lowndes County for attending any of the sessions. To the none, one, few, or many that attended mine.