As I was reading through the article, "Teaching with Technology Podcasting," I noticed that the studies conducted and the methods talked about were really targeting the higher education realm. Honestly, I think podcasting would be more beneficial and useful in higher education more so than in grade school. I think the future of podcasting is bright, even though it is a fairly new endeavor. Podcasting allows teachers to record lectures and make them available on-line to students. It also allows the students to get involved if they are to create their own podcasts. Studies have shown that pre-recorded lectures made available by podcasts have had a positive effect on exam grades. Also, podcasts are available not only on the computer, but on tablets and MP3 players as well. They are readily available to everyone everywhere.
The reason I think podcasts are better for use in higher education is because there are a lot of students in grade school who do not have access to computers, tablets or MP3 players at home, especially in lower income areas. However, I'm not saying that they shouldn't be used at all in grade school. Projects can be completed in the school computer lab, as they should be. Students need to be exposed to all realms of technology, including podcasting. Especially since podcasts are being used more often in higher education, grade school is the perfect time and opportunity to expose them to this.
One possible negative side effects of podcasting would be less class attendance. Students may see the podcasts as a way out of not actually going to class. However, so far, this hasn't been the case. And this most certainly wouldn't be the case in grade school since students have to attend school. So as of right now, this possible side effect is really a non-issue.
As far as personal use of podcasting in my classroom goes, I would say really depends on what grade level I am teaching. I am Highly Qualified to teach 4th-8th grade. If I am teaching a 4th-6th grade classroom, I probably wouldn't use podcasting as much as I would if I were teaching a 7th-8th grade class. The 4th-6th graders would be exposed to podcasting in a lesson, but wouldn't be something heavily used throughout the year. I may have them do a fun little project involving creating a podcast so that they are at least exposed to it. In the 7th-8th grade classes, I would probably use podcasting more frequently. As in delivering pre-recorded lectures that they can use while doing homework or studying for a test. I would also have them create at least one podcast so that they are exposed to that side of it as well.
Podcasting is a great tool for the classroom. It can be used in many different ways and accessed through many different outlets. I have a feeling more and more schools and universities will be using podcasting more often down the road.
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