Geography Podcast

By: Shenae Lyons

What is a Podcast?

     A Podcast is a form of digital media (audio or visual), and the recordings are typically organized in a series. Podcasts are usually transmitted through computer software, and can be stored on any device that supports this kind of media. These devices includes hard drives, iPod/MP3, and/or via online storage applications. Integrating Podcasting into the classroom is easy and there are limitless possibilities. David Ball discusses the benefits and possibilities of integrating Podcasting into the classroom in the short video below.

Integrating a podcast into geography:

     There are several easy ways that secondary teachers can integrate Podcasting into their classroom. One example, is having students conduct research about the geography of a location of choice (teachers have a lot of opportunity to customize the project here), then requiring students to record a podcast as if they were an explorer/geographer/cartographer/journalist/citizen, etc. recording or journalizing or broadcasting their experiences on a trip. It is imperative that the teacher specify the requirements for the assignment, this makes it easy to incorporate all five themes of geography (location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, region). Be sure to let the students know how long the recording needs to be or if it needs to be in a series, a great way to assess and challenge students is to require them to present it to the class or a group of students. 

     A Podcast can add a lot to geography activities. For example, Google Treks is a popular new tool that geography teachers are using in their classrooms. It allows students to customize a trip utilizing Google Maps, they can add pictures and captions to identify any necessary components and map out their routes on modern routes. You can also use Podcasts to add to a Power Point, Prezi, and video presentations. Podcasting also allows teachers to easily accommodate for students with special learning needs, this includes but is not limited to ELL, Special Education, IEP, and 504 students. Podcasting is also a great tools for students that have anxiety presenting to the class. 

     A lesson that I hope to integrate into my own classroom that utilizes podcasting requires students to research native or political figure from the location. After completing the necessary research, it requires students to apply their collected knowledge to produce an "on-air" interview on behalf of their specified character utilizing the Podcast. Programs like Audacity and GarageBand allow you to customize the Podcast in a way that you can actually manipulate background noise. music, voice pitch/register, etc. that allow students to truly make their character come to life. Explore the videos and site links bellow to learn how to create your own Podcast and learn how to introduce it into your own classroom.

How to make your own Podcast: 

First, there are some necessary Materials:

     1. Microphone

     2. Audio editing software - keep in mind that there are several great tools to accomplish this, I go into detail on how to utilize Audacity and GarageBand below.

     3. A website or hosting service you can upload podcast to

     4. A RSS (Real Simple Syndication) Feed (optional)

Video Tutorial - create a Podcast using Audacity (PC):

Video Tutorial - create a Podcast using GarageBand (Mac): 

Resources for podcast application: 5 URLS

http://audacity.sourceforge.net - This site allows you to download Audacity for FREE!

http://download.cnet.com/...GarageBand/3000-2170_4-46458.html - This site allows you to download GarageBand for FREE!

http://podcastanswerman.com/learn-how-to-podcast/ - This site is a great reference website, to address any complications you may encounter when making a Podcast.

http://manual.audacityteam.org/man/Quick_Guide - Another great reference site, it's specifically for Audacity (easy to read and navigate).

www.apple.com/support/GarageBand - Another great reference site, it's specifically for GarageBand.

My Resources:

http://www.howtopodcasttutorial.com/what-is-a-podcast.htm 

http://www.howtopodcasttutorial.com/00-podcast-tutorial-four-ps.htm 

http://howtopodcasttutorial.com/podasting-articles 

http://www.podcast.com/ 

Include resources listed above.