Podcast=Learning

There is a big, important debate going on around us about whether or not technology is helping or hurting the education of kids today. There are substantial arguments on both sides of the debate. However, in this post, I would like to try to identify a few ways in which technology can support learning, thinking, and literacy. Starting with iTunes and podcasts.

Podcasts are a great way to listen to a story, learn about a subject, or further one's understanding about a concept.

Here's my example for Art class: MOMA's collection of works of art that provide new perspectives about color.

The collection can be viewed online by going here.

Then, one could listen to the podcasts describing the significance and meaning behind each piece of art in the collection by grabbing one of Stenson's iPods.

Go to Playlists on the iPod menu, select ColorChart- MoMA.

Or Science class?!? Click here for the transcript and background information about an hour-long podcast about the rush to go green. Go to American RadioWorks under podcasts, and choose the one titled Green Rush. Interested in a local podcast about the weather, try this.


Maybe it's World History class, and you'd like to learn about Nelson Mandela. Click here for the transcript, and on the iPod go to Podcast>American RadioWorks>Mandela.

For literature or English class, there's a podcast and transcript on urban teens and Shakespeare. It can be found on Stenson's iPods under podcasts, American RadioWorks, and then Urban Shakespeare. Or some simple booktalks to highlight books for kids and teens.

For Health class, there's a podcast and transcript on teens living with HIV or the effects of mental illness on families, particularly siblings (this one's not downloaded to Stenson's iPods either).

So as not to leave anyone out, recently I've discovered podcasts for little kids (one full of tongue twisters to help identify and practice phonemes AND one with stories told aloud). World language podcasts are everywhere (here's an example regarding French). There are several on grammar and vocabulary and math and music or to celebrate diversity in music, try this one. Podcasts are even available for the use in physical education class and business class.


Those of you hooked, please check out this informational video about podcasts, iTunes U, and how YOU can make listening to podcasts and iPods an educational AND entertaining activity!

See you at iTunes U!
-Stenson