Podcasting

Podcasts are audio media files which are uploaded onto a podcasting server, such as, iTunes, which can be downloaded and replayed on technology sources, for example, computers and MP3/4 players (Central Queensland University, 2009). Prior to engaging with the courseware for this course I was aware of what Podcasts were as I regularly listen to them on my iPod. Although I do listen to Podcasts which are just audio files, recently I have also been watching video files and assumed that they were still called podcasts; however, I now know that they are called VodCasts.

Podcasts are media which can be used in a delivery or student centered manner within the classroom environment in order to create an effective learning environment for students. In a learning environment Podcasts are considered to be a ICT and ICT’s are a cross curriculum priority throughout all Education Queensland schools, therefore, it is essential that a range of ICT’s are used in various ways throughout the learning environment in order to help keep students engaged. When designing learning experiences that incorporate the use of ICT’s by using Podcasts, although many students have access to MP3/4 players, it is important to keep in mind that some students may not have access to this resource.

Kearsley and Shneiderman believe that engagement by students in their task is essential when wanting learning to be effective, and I strongly agree with their opinion. The Engagement Theory is a framework which was developed by Kearsley and Shneiderman based upon the Relate-Create-Donate process, and I think that this process could effectively be used within learning environments by students making their own educational podcast which they could share with their peers (Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1999).

It would be fair to say that the majority of the students within school classrooms today are digital natives, as according to Prensky a digital native is a person who is “born into and grow up enveloped by digital technology and therefore develop a specific language and syntax around the technology” (Central Queensland University, 2009) & (Prensky, 2001). Therefore, as the majority of students are natives to technology and become engaged in their task when working with technology sources, Podcasts would be a useful tool for a teacher to use as a students learning would be enhanced, and there are a range of Podcasts readily available for teachers to use which contain educational content that can easily be linked to students’ real life experiences and units of work.

In the learning design topic, Uncle Ernie’s Holistic approach was also covered and it is a framework that has been designed to help learning managers embed Indigenous Perspectives throughout their learning experiences (Grant, 1998). Personally, I have observed a low level of Indigenous Perspectives embedded throughout learning experiences during my practical experiences, and I think that this holistic approach is a framework which I will use during my future learning experiences. As mentioned throughout the approach, the Aboriginal culture is more about oral information, rather than, written information (Grant, 1998). Therefore, I believe that Podcasts and VodCasts would be perfect to be used when incorporating Indigenous Perspectives throughout learning experiences as it would help learners' knowledge to be enhanced as Indigenous people from a range of different settings throughout Australia could orally explain their information, and it could be delivered to students through the use of Podcasts.

It is important to remember that one of the main benefits from listening to a Podcast in comparison to a person visiting the classroom and speaking, is that if you miss a part or would like to refresh your knowledge at a later date you can do so, as you can replay the podcast as many times as you like, therefore, learning is effective.

Reference List:
Central Queensland University (CQU). (2009). FAHE11001- Managing E-Learning: Moodle site. Rockhampton, QLD, Australia: Scot Aldred.

Grant, E. (1998). My Land My Tracks: A framework for the holistic approach to indigenous studies. Retrieved July 23, 2009, from
http://education.qld.gov.au/schools/indigenous/docs/uncle-ernies-framework.pdf

Kearsley, G., & Shneiderman, B. (1999). Engagement theory: a framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved July 16, 2009, from
http://home.sprynet.com/%7Egkearsley/engage.htm

Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. Retrieved July 23, 2009, from
http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf