Unit 2: EDUU 564

Unit 2: EDUU 564
The technology tool I want to examine for effectiveness for teaching and learning is podcasting. I want to examine the effectiveness of podcasting in regards to ESL students in a blended model of learning. In using podcasting the students will n also learn how to upload the information and create mp3s of their own.
1. How does podcasting enhance a classroom learning experience?
2. How can podcasting be used in a blended model of learning?
3. Is podcasting limited to learning subjects in the classroom?

Yes, I need help with my questions. I’m not clear on the change that you noted in our discussion area.

3 Websites that provide information about tech tool etc.
http://www.edutopia.org/what-has-podcasting-done-you
http://www.edutopia.org/itunes-u-professional-development
http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-devices-visually-impaired

2 links to peer-reviewed journals that relate to my topic.

The iPod Project: A Mobile Mini-Lab: http://www.rcetj.org/Default.aspx?type=art&id=90086
Maintaining the Personal Touch in a Growing Program: Strategies for Establishing Social Presence in Online Classes: http://www.rcetj.org/Default.aspx?type=art&id=79598

Unit 1 Journal Response

I have used Google Sites as well as Google Pages to create websites for my adult ESL students. I had a good experience with Google Sites but it has a lot of limitations. I was unable to import my ppts cleanly. I lost my sound and a few other perks. I will be using Expressions Web 2 for my electronic portfolio.
In my portfolio I hope to include:
1. Greeting with photo
2. Resume (Standard 1)
3. Lesson plan (Standard 2)
4. A powerpoint presentation (Standard 3)
5. audio
6. hyperlinks
7. video
8. graphs and charts (Standard 4)
9. Link to another website (Standard 5)
10. Webpages (Standard 6,7)
11. Blog (Standard 8)
I have many of these artifacts from my previous classes. This week I will collect all that I have and place them in a folder so that I can start organizing my portfolio. I will then begin polishing them to better align them with each of the standards. I expect to start building the site this week and insert the simpler pages like my resume so that I can concentrate the majority of my time on the more challenging pages.

Beyond Technology for Technology's Sake: Advancing Multiliteracies in the Twenty-First Century

Borsheim, C., Merritt, K., & Reed, D. (2008). Beyond Technology for Technology's sake: Advancing Multiliteracies in the Twenty-First Century. The Clearing House , 87-90.

The point of this article is to demonstrate that teachers must go beyond implementing technology for technology's sake and consider the evolving nature of texts and the literacy skills associated with consuming and producing those texts.The authors share examples for adapting teaching to the impact of technology, rather than adapting technology to teaching.(Borsheim, Merritt, & Reed, 2008, p.87)They contend that teachers who use a variety of media and technologies in their teaching do more than familiarize students with specific technologies. They are preparing their students for the multiliteracies of the 21st century.
This article applies to all ages and levels of teaching. It is an important concept that we embrace that technology is here to stay. It is not a toy to play with in the classroom to meet a standard, but an important tool to learn how to utilize for learning.
Each writer demonstrated the use of a different technology. Carlin Borsheim project was the traditional research paper unit in which she utilized the internet, wikis, film-editing software and Word.
Dawn Reed utilized podcasting to with her class. After listening to essays, the students wrote their own and then recorded and edited their podcasts, and posted them on a blog.
Kelly Merritt used wikis in her classroom to communicate, share documents, fet feedback, build collective experiences and integrate additional forms of technology into the classroom experience. (Borsheim, Merritt, & Reed, 2008, p. 90)

The Power of Podcasting

Lum, L. (2006). The Power of Podcasting. Diverse Issues of Higher Education , 32-35.

The focus of this article was how a new technology is revolutionizing the way faculty and administrators interact with students. It has been determined that 80 percent of college students own at least one device that can download and play recordings. Given this information, it falls to reason that pod casts would be an excellent medium for enhancing instruction. In an effort to promote podcasting Duke University handed out about 1600 iPods preloaded with orientation material to its entire incoming 2004 class.(Lum, L. (2006). These iPods were used for class lectures, as well as general information about courses. At Mansfield University the administrators did an ongoing series of podcasts exploring student life, especially for freshman. These podcasts explored everything from their favorite Saturday night pastimes to what the seniors believe their most important lessons have been, educationally and personally. This has produced an 11 percent spike in student applications for the fall semester compared to last year's numbers.(Lum, L. 2006)It appears that podcasts are finding more and more uses and won't be going away for quite a while if ever.

After the Bells, Beyond the Walls

Langhorst, E. (2007). After the Bell, Beyond the Walls. Edcuational Leadership , 74-77.

This article discusses the efficacy of the use of podcasts at South Valley Junior High School in Liberty Missouri. Experiments were made podcasting for test reviews which were called StudyCasts.The special education teachers found that the StudyCasts benefit students with reading disabilities. Students can repeat portions of the recorded review or listen to the entire session as many times as they wish. This also helped the teachers use their time more efficiently.(Languorous,2007)
The school also established a Virtual Book Club where the students all accessed a blog where they could discuss the book and listen to interviews by the author of the book. The use of podcasts also added another dimension to the special education population. Their teacher recorded the book which allowed these students to be active participants too.
The author feels that the use of podcasts is an excellent way to address the different learning styles of students. He says that,"blogs and podcasts can more flexibly meet the needs of individual students both in and out of school."(Langhorst,2007)
I appreciated this article because it demonstrated varying uses for podcasts and the effectiveness as well as the benefits that it afforded the special education population.

Podcasts Replace Acceptance Letters

McCafferty, P. (2006). Podcasts Replace Acceptance Letters. Recruitment and Retention in Higher Education , 1-2.

This article describes how Fitchburg State University used podcasts to let students know of their acceptance to the university. The response from the perspective students was positive. They enjoyed sharing the acceptance news with their families and friends.(McCafferty, 2006) "What's important from an admissions perspective is not just the message but the delivery mode," McCafferty said. "It isn't just about the latest flavor and it's not about flash. There's substance behind it. It is about the college as a whole recognizing that technology can improve the way we communicate and learn." (McCafferty, 2006)

I think that this is an important article because it takes the use of podcasting to another dimension. It is not only for classroom or distance learning but can be used in other aspects of the education setting. FSC plans to create a series of podcasts that will help guide students through the entire admissions process and recruiting cycle. In addition they will begin podcasting lecture material as well as class introductions that introduce students to their courses and faculty expectations in those courses before the classes actually begin to meet. (McCafferty, 2006) I believe that this will facilitate the whole admissions and class enrollment. They are using a different modality for teaching which many people will respond to.

Reducing the Effects of Isolation and Promoting Inclusivity for Distance Learners through Podcasting

Lee, M. J., & Chan, A. (2007). Reducing the Effects of Isolation and Promoting Inclusivity for Distance Learners through Podcasting. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education , 85-104.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of podcasting in relationship to the feelings of isolation of distance learners. According to the authors, at most higher education institutions, distance learners have the highest risk of dropping out, and they attribute it to the feelings of isolation.

For this study the podcasts were structured as a series of short, 3-5 minute talkback radio-style segments, with senior students holding discussions on pertinent issues realted to the subject and its content in a relaxed and informal style. (Lee & Chan, 2007) The findings were positive and the students felt much more connected with their class.

I think this is important information for distance education leaders, because by using this information they can insure a better connection with their students and better education. I find it interesting that these podcasts were not necessarily educational but more about clarify assignments, and talking about them so that the students were more comfortable with it. This would be simple to do and according to their research very beneficial.