Today in class as we were learning audio editing, I couldn’t help but think about the possibilities this could mean for creating podcasts and bringing them into the classroom. Podcasts are a timeless entertainment. They’ve gained a real resurgence recently that I think you could really tap into in order to get students engaged in a variety of subjects.
The beauty of the podcast is the wide spectrum of topics they cover. Students can explore current events, true crime, movie reviews, reality tv show recaps and endless other subjects all through a very accessible program. The majority of podcasts are free and compatible with any device, whether that be a computer, cellphone, or an ancient iPod.
If students are already excited about podcasts, the next step in including them in the classroom would logically be creating their own! This is where audio editing comes in handy. Students can use a simple voice recorder on a cellphone and use Audacity, a free program, and create podcasts for class. Podcasts are an amazing tool because they allow people to express an idea or analysis of a topic that they may not have been able to properly convey through the written word. They lend themselves to students are proficient with and passionate about technology, while being simplistic enough for a non-tech-lover to be able to use, create and enjoy.