Incorporating Podcasts
Consider innovating your teaching ideas and content by incorporating podcasts both pre-made episodes as well as new creations by yourself and your students. Offer podcast creation as an alternative to traditional written assignments. Integrate them into class discussions (whether in-person or online) and encourage student engagement through commentary. The outcomes might pleasantly surprise you.
Podcasting
Podcasting is gaining traction in higher education as a creative teaching tool. Professors are utilizing podcasts to diversify their teaching methods. Instead of traditional readings, short podcasts are assigned, followed by activities or discussions, enhancing Universal Design for Learning. Accessible through online searches or podcast apps. Even newly created student podcasts can be readily available and public-facing, following open pedagogical teaching models and strategies that can serve to increase student engagement.
Furthermore, educators are creating their own podcasts, all of which are further moving the class outside of traditional classroom boundaries. Despite initial intimidation, podcast production is straightforward. A mobile device or laptop is sufficient for recording, yielding a shareable episode within a short period do time. Additionally, the Rollins College community may access more professional recording equipment through the Olin Library and WPRK.
Tips
For those considering podcast creation, here are five swift tips:
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Begin with small steps. Avoid tackling a full weekly podcast initially, as it may be overwhelming. Start by crafting single (stand-alone) episodes or recordings to grasp the creation process.
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Plan ahead. Prior to recording, spend time considering how to integrate your course content and the podcast's topic and presentation style. Decide whether you'll conduct interviews or present solo. Gain inspiration from other podcasts. Create a script or content outline based on your concept.
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Invest in a quality microphone. While built-in device microphones work, they can pick up background noise. Opt for an external microphone, like a podcasting mic, lapel mic, or smartphone earbuds. Record close to the mic in a noise-free environment for clear voice capture.
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Choose user-friendly recording and editing tools. Spotify for Podcasters (formerly "Anchor for Podcasters") is free and recommended for beginners, accessible on mobile or laptop. Its intuitive interface features drag-and-drop functionality and a variety of royalty-free music and sound effects. Other options like Camtasia, GarageBand, or Audacity.
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Provide a transcript. Ensure accessibility by including a written version of your podcast alongside the audio recording. If you scripted your podcast, the script can serve as the transcript. For unscripted content, tools like YouTube, Otter, or Zoom can automatically transcribe audio.
Learner-Produced Public-Facing Content
Navigating student work and learner-produced public-facing content involves vital considerations. Balancing these factors is essential for ethical, educational, and representational success.:
- Copyright concerns demand awareness, ensuring adherence to intellectual property rights.
- Student ownership stands paramount; respecting their creative contributions fosters a sense of empowerment.
- Institutional representation warrants attention, as student content reflects the institution's values.
- Diversity issues must be addressed, promoting inclusively and varied perspectives within the public sphere.
Additional Resources and Tools
Spotify for Podcasters
Transcriptions with MSWord