Blog Post #4

Langwitches Listening-Comprehension-Podcasting

     The first post I read from the Langwitches site was the "Listening-Comprehension-Podcasting" blog. The first statement that caught my eye when reading the post was that is takes 70+ times of someone hearing a word to remember it! It is important to attach a certain feeling to a word so that there is a meaning for they way it will be used in the future.The post emphasizes on editing podcasts. The author states "it gives the learners the opportunity to see their voices, read the sounds, manipulate the sequence of sentences" to better remember what they are saying. I agree that listening-comprehension is very crucial when learning a different language or words for the first time.

     The post gives an example of editing podcasts. There were second graders recording stories as podcasts then editing them each student recording a sentence. They then would listen to each sentence and remember what it said. Next, they would logically place it into the story where it needed to be. It was a very successful project and the kids also loved hearing themselves. They were comprehending, collaborating, manipulating  sounds all in one!This post taught me a lot about how a person's brain works.

Langwitches - Flat Stanley Podcast


     The first grade class project was adorable!!! The "Flat Stanley Podcast" was a very smart project! It taught the kids pronunciation, writing skills, locations around the world, what to do in these locations, sounds that transportation vehicles make, and many more other educational ideas. My favorite part was when the girl went to Alabama and learned how to say "roll tide". The students were excited to make the podcast which makes the idea that much better! 

     Who would have ever thought that a first grader could be so detailed, well-spoken, and excited about doing a school project! While reading their own writing, the kids had to learn how to correctly say the locations and keep a steady, clear speaking voice. I really like the idea that they mailed this little Stanley guy, so that the students could be creative and choose anywhere they wanted to research. Researching these places is also a good start to the future project these kids will have.  

The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom

     This video, by Joe Dale, is very factual and there are many benefits from podcasting. One of the ways podcasting is beneficial is by being able to listen and watch them anywhere, any time. For example, in the video, a girl becomes sick and her Mom makes her stay home from school. The girl can listen to the podcasts her teacher puts on iTunes and stay up to date in her classes even though she is not at school. The parents can also see and communicate what is going on in the classrooms.

     Another benefit of using podcasts is by incorporating it into the classroom. For example, giving students a project to create by using a podcast. In the video, it shows three students recording a podcast on different regions in the United States for rock climbing. The students have to research places, describe them, and speak clearly so the listeners can understand them. Podcasting has definitely opened my eyes on how to educate students in a fun, effective way!