Technology in the Classroom

There are many lessons for all elementary grades that could make use of podcasts. I reviewed many on voice thread and it seemed that, for the most part, the children were eager to use this technology. Podcasts can be used to relay information. I saw one school use a voice thread to produce an informative video about bullying. They used video clips that they had created of scenarios that included bullying behavior, then provided information on what one should do in that situation. I also saw another school use voice thread to present their weather poetry and pictures. Each student presented their art and read aloud the poem they had created about specific weather. It covered many different prescribed learning outcomes. The range of what could be produced with this technology is as endless as lesson plans that can be created from picture books.
Technology can be used to enhance classroom learning, it just has to be used with care. I believe that children are spending a considerable amount of their time already on computers and other screen activities, so to add more to that must be taking time away from other non-screen activities. This is probably why I would be more inclined to do podcasts than voice threads or video posts. Podcasts need only "a digital audio recorder that can create an MP3 file, space on a server to host the file, a blog , and something to say "(Chris Tougus). Podcasts engage children and create an enthusiastic environment for learning language arts. They are not only using their oracy skills (speaking and listening) but also writing and representing and possibly reading and viewing depending on the project. Due to their simplicity, podcasts do not take much time to set up or upload. As podcasts use only children's voices, there is a lower security risk and perhaps more parents would be willing to allow their children to participate.
It is important for teachers to remember that not all children will want to do podcasts and provide another way of participating for children reluctant to record their voices, perhaps they could direct the podcast or provide sound effects. Also children that are not fluent in their speech may or may not benefit from hearing their voice recorded. Teachers must be sensitive to these matters and could benefit by first having a good knowledge of his/her students before introducing podcasting.
I think I would like to introduce grade 4-5 students to the Orsen Wells radio play War of the worlds that scared people in 1938 and talk about what kind of event would lead to people being scared like that now and perhaps try to do our own version of War of the worlds. I also like the idea of presenting poetry and art together as a class presentation. I think creating a Peter and the Wolf sound piece would be interesting too. Perhaps initially have the students listen to an original Peter and the Wolf recording and make up our own telling or create another story where each character has their own sound or phrase to announce their arrival. Another way I would consider using podcasts is to ask the students what they would like to create with the technology. Perhaps I would just introduce a book and let the class decide how we use podcasts to further our understanding of the material. Students really are a wealth of ideas and I think I would be pleasantly surprised by their thoughts on the matter.