podcasting, video and screencasting live streaming
In this chapter I was able to discover the reason for the sudden boom in online streaming. I never before thought of why technology has taken over the internet but after learning about the increase in broadband and memory for computers it all makes sense.
I never knew what podcasting was. I have always seen the button on my iTunes but never knew what it did so I have left it alone. Now I understand that it’s an amateur radio station. After this section I think I will check out the podcasts on the iTunes and add some to my library. Podcast seem so easy to create. I’m not at the level with my comfort to start creating a Podcast but I think it’s cool how simple they can be created. Podcasts in school is such a genius idea. I think students would be really into the technological side of creating a radio show and researching topics would help expand their creativity.
Apple seems to be always ahead of the curve and I am so interested in IPods new site that includes lesson plans and tips on using IPods in the classroom.
YouTube is pretty much taking over the world, at least that is what it seems like at times. I use YouTube all the time when doing class projects or need an interesting source. It breaks up the boring text sources and gives people something interesting to watch and learn about. Yes, not all videos on YouTube are appropriate and I understand why many schools have blocked the site. TeacherTube sounds to prefect to be true. I know this is an alternative that will be fabulous for classrooms. Teachers creating videos for students or students creating videos for students is a huge step up in the classroom. The ideas are endless with this type of technology.
Screencasting sounds great. I think this is the new PowerPoint for classrooms. Before students created PowerPoint’s and presented in front of the class. Now students care great screencast and upload then to a class blog or webpage and have their peers view their work from home.
With WebTV and other resources, it seems like coming into class will be a think of the past. Teachers can now teach their students from home and students don’t need to get out of bed to come to school. Everything is leading towards online teaching support, and online assignments. I know this is still a long way to go before we reach this at home learning experience, but I believe it will happen sooner than we think.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by new technology. I recommend progressing slowly, at your own pace, and experimenting with a few things at a time until you might feel comfortable incorporating it into your future teaching…