5 Tips for Podcasting with Students in the Classroom

One of the most practical (and exciting!) applications of having technology in the classroom is the ability to empower students to take charge of their learning. One of the integral components of this is amplifying student voice. Multimedia presentations like creating movies, Green Screens or screencast tutorials are great ways to have students demonstrate their understanding of content or concepts creatively and individualized to their learning style. Another option is having students create Podcasts in any content area. A podcast is a virtual way students can use audio to tell a story or share an opinion. There are many benefits to using Podcasts with your students; cultivating listening and speaking skills, empowering student voice and sharing with a larger audience. No matter your device or ratio of technology to students, here are 5 Tips for using Podcasts in your classroom to amplify student voice.

5 Tips for Using Podcasts in your Classroom

1. Prior to the lesson, have students create a fun 1-minute Podcast, so they can explore the various tools they might use for a Podcast. Some tools that can be used are Garage Band (free), Voice Recorder Pro (free), Soundtrap, and Audacity (free) to name a few. Have students draft a script prior to recording.
2. Choose a topic and/or purpose or have students choose their own. Connect to current events and provide opportunities for students to participate in a constructive debate, social justice and solving problems.
3. Create a rubric with the class or beforehand to measure student success and help guide students throughout the task. Connect podcasting as storytelling and link the elements of a story to your rubric.
4. Find exemplar podcasts, such as This American Life,  to showcase and/or showcase your own. Have students identify the elements of a podcast while listening. Point out to students the creativity and message in each podcast and encourage them to display their own personal style and voice.
5. Celebrate the Podcasts by sharing with a larger audience. Have students make connections, ask questions or reflect on the message of each podcast when done.

Additional Resources

The Best Podcasts to Use with K-12 Students

Project Audio: Teaching Students How to Produce their Own Podcasts

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