Podcasting is not something additional to do. It should replace activities that you already do. Work smarter, not harder!

Podcasting is another way of looking at skill development and content creation. You teach the same reading and writing skills; students just use a different vehicle to demonstrate their mastery. Take what you know and use podcasting to empower your students to take ownership of their learning!

Since it's all about those skills, the best place  to start are your STANDARDS!

Step 1: Work with your standards

How can you take what needs to get done skill-wise and harness them in this project?

Print off a copy of your standards/indicators and start mapping! How can you cover these same skills but through student-led research and creation?

Example: research and inquiry skills. 
  • How do you teach these skills now? How could this translate to a research project?
  • How can you incorporate your existing individual skill lessons into a unit related to podcasting?
    • ​Example: lesson on MLA citation --> translate this to citing sources within a script
  • What themes or topics do I teach in my fulcrum texts that would translate to a broader research topic?  Example: To Kill a Mockingbird  = injustice    Podcast research topics = legal injustice issues
​
Hint: pick a unit that already includes argumentative writing, informational writing and inquiry skills!

Step 2: Decide on your level of intensity

Are you the type of person to start small and master things step by step? Are you like me who dives off the deep end and treads water, learning as she goes? You need to decide if you want your students to have a smaller,  yet still powerful, experience with podcasting, or if you'd like to take the full-on project-based learning approach (PBL).

Here are some aspects to consider:

​Simple

  • 1-2 class periods
  • Use a writing exercise as a script
  • Students record and publish on a class-centered website such as Padlet, Google Classroom, or FlipGrid.
  • Platform allows for peer feedback and interaction with student's creation within a smaller, password-protected environment
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Benefits:
  • Provides an expanded audience amongst peers
  • Allows for practice of speaking skills
  • Student ownership increases due to expanded reach
  • Enforces 21st Century learner skills

Intricate

  • 1 - 4 weeks, ongoing project
  • The script becomes the writing exercise
  • Students record and teacher publishes audio on a world-wide platform such as iTunes.
  • Platform allows for global audience for feedback and interaction with student's creation.
  • This technically also becomes service learning project because it informs the public about an issue.​​​​​
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​Benefits:
  • Provides an expanded audience 
  • Allows for practice of speaking skills and collaboration skills.
  • Student ownership increases due to expanded reach
  • Enforces 21st Century learner skills
  • Authentic research process due to student choice and student creation

Step 3: Get your Resources Rockin' and Rollin'!

There are all levels of technology that can allow for podcasting with no experience necessary!

Even if you don't have a 1:1 technology situation, adding this learning experience into your curriculum is possible with a little creativity and planning!

I am going to list ideas and resources for both approaches to podcasting in the classroom. WITH THAT SAID, feel free to use any technology approach for any version. There is no right or wrong way to approach this!

The biggest way to make this a success is to expect to have mistakes along the way - and celebrate them! FAIL does mean first attempt in learning after all. Use it as a teaching opportunity for your students by modeling how to have a growth mindset when trying something new.

My students here this phrase at least 20 times a semester:  "okay, you all are going to be my guinea pigs today! I am not sure how this is going to turn out, but I have this crazy idea that I want us to try out..." 

​That's how magic happens! Take risks and HAVE FUN!

​Simple

Recording from Free apps for iPads and iPods (click for links): Notes:
  • These are a record once experience and do not allow for editing or addition of music transitions.
  • They allow the files to be upload to Google Drive, email, and more!

Recording from a laptop or a desktop computer  (Mac or PC):
Note: these resources can use the device's internal microphone  as long as it's a quiet recording setting.
  • Padlet - allows students to record right from a post! Play with an example here. Look for my directions and sample recording post to learn how to record!
  • FlipGrid- this resource has both video and audio recording options. Students can record responses. You can password protect the grid or make it public. It's a great tool for students to learn how to give feedback!
  • Synth - a free podcasting website.  Students have 4 minutes to produce a short podcast episode. Files can then be downloaded, published as a website or embedded on a website. I have students embed the podcasts on their Google Sites blogs! 

Intricate

Recording apps for iPads (click for links): Notes:
  • This is also available on a Macbook where you can do more advanced edits and record with a microphone.
  • The app on iPad has limited editing functions
  • You can use the internal microphone for this - make sure students record in a quiet space!

Recording from a laptop or a desktop computer  (Mac or PC):
Audacity 
Notes:
  • More advanced editing features such as multiple audio sources (i.e. you can add music)
  • Allows for cutting of audio
  • User-friendly - similar to using movie making software, minus the picture portion!
  • Best used with a USB microphone. They are reasonable on Amazon. This is what I use!
  • Click here for directions on hooking up a USB microphone to your laptop to use with Audacity!

step 4: Get Published!

Step 3 - get it submitted on iTunes! This is for the intricate form of podcasting. Give your students a GLOBAL audience by starting a podcasting channel on iTunes!

Step 1 - make sure your sound files are the correct format.
-Best saved as: mp3, m4a, or mp4

Step 2- you need the files on a hosting website and cover art.
I use Podomatic - it's free for a certain amount of storage space and easy to use!
-You can also host them on a blog. I chose the Podomatic route since i'm dealing with so many episodes!

Cover art - I use the app Word Swag"on my iPhone (there is an android app, too). It's super easy and creates sleek looking art! Choose the square "Instagram" size (1400x1400 pixel jpeg).

Step 3 - get it submitted on iTunes!
They have an approval process. Uploading for approval is very easy.
​Step 4 - Share, Share, SHARE!
Share the link to your podcasting channel on social media, with students, parents and your school community. Get the word out and spread that knowledge around! Let your students' voices be heard and celebrate!

STUDENTS AS LAWYERS:
​ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING THROUGH PODCASTING
Created by Jenny Leckey

Find my entire NCTE 2018 presentation HERE!

Check out student podcasts on iTunes by clicking HERE!
Copyright © 2020 Jenny Leckey. All rights reserved.