Ipadagogy (Post 2 of 15)

In Chapter 3 of Rethinking Technology in Schools, there's a section on podcasting and ipodagogy. I've never heard of this term, though I have heard of podcasts before. I really enjoy listening to podcasts in my free time, whether I'm in the car or before going to sleep. I listen to NYC's Radiolab, and also a podcast called, The Moth. I'm usually not a fan of listening to audio without any visuals (such as books on tape, etc.). But these podcasts are intriguing and very informative. They make me think and I learn new information--information I may have never learned from a book or video.

It was only recently that I began to think about how beneficial this tool could be in a classroom. If I learned from this technology, I'm sure my students could too. In my Visual Arts Workshop class, one of the assignments was to create your own podcast. I worked with a partner and we created a segment about a blind photographer by the name of Sonia Soberats. The segment included a short biography of the artist and a mock interview with the artist herself. This could be an interesting idea for my students to do in the classroom as well.

From the reading, I learned that there are Podcast Networks specifically for education, which features podcasts from all over the world! Podcasts are a great idea and I can't wait to use them in my own classroom. Some ideas that come to mind:
1.) Creating my own podcasts for the students when I am absent (for the substitute to play)
2.) Having students listen to podcasts and draw or create a project based on the description they are listening to
3.) Have the students create their own podcast; artist bios, interviews, critiques, etc.
4.) Students researching podcasts themselves and finding ones pertaining to art
5.) As stated in the book, "lectures or homework assignments for students to download" (63, Rethinking Technology in Schools).

I also really like the idea of liberatory pedagogy and having students (and myself) share their podcasts online. The only concerns with this is making sure that it is done the right way. That is, I would be concerned about the safety of my students using the Internet, and making sure I follow the school's policies regarding student privacy and protection.

 Overall, I think podcasting is a tool I would like to utilize in my classroom. I began researching possible art podcasts that I could use in the classroom and have posted the links at the bottom of this page, as well as the podcasts I listen to on my own personal time.

I pose this question to my classmates: Would you consider using podcasts in your classroom? Why or why not? Do you know of any podcasts that would be beneficial to your specific content area?

The Moth Podcast
Radio Lab Podcast
This American Life Podcast
Art Podcasts:
MoMa Talks
National Gallery of Art-Notable Lectures