Arguably one of the most influential
technological innovations of the past decade, the iPod has now sold
over 150,000,000 units. While most of these devices are loaded with
digital music, an increasing number of them are being utilized to
listen to some of the over 100,000 podcasts available for free.
Although originally designed for listening on iPods, podcasts can be
downloaded and heard on any mp3 device or on your computer. So, what is a podcast? A podcast is a digital file that contains audio and often video images that are downloadable from the Internet. Podcasts are not a singular event, but rather a series of broadcasts on a common theme or topic. While podcasts can be found on websites, the largest database exists within the store at iTunes.
Much of what is available has been created by small groups of devoted individuals who possess an overwhelming desire to share their knowledge and opinions with a worldwide audience. Often these podcasts lack what one might consider to be educational value. However, do not be discouraged, in the vast sea of available podcasts there are a multitude of rich resources. Here are some of my favorite podcasts. They are definitely worth checking out.
Interest Based Resources Authentic Audiences Enhances Creativity Another Way to Meet State Standards Higher Level Thinking Cooperation / Collaboration 21st Century Skills Free!!!
For anyone, who does not have iTunes already loaded on their computer,
this powerful, interactive media player is available for free from
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ The database can be searched by
specific keywords or browsed by topic. Once you find a podcast you want
to listen to, you can listen to individual episodes, or you can
subscribe and when new episodes are available, they will automatically
be downloaded onto your computer. Remember all of this is free!
Some Podcasts to Get you Started
iTunesU (http://www.apple.com/itunesu)
is a collection of recorded lectures in various disciplines from
universities such as UC Berkeley, Stanford, MIT, and Duke. This is a
veritable treasure trove for quality, high level content for students
whose curiosity may seem insatiable. These podcasts are from the actual
classes at each of these universities.  Ask a Biologist (http://askabiologist.asu.edu/podcasts) features scientists from Arizona State University answering questions
submitted by K-12 students to their website. With topics ranging from
whether or not animals see color to ants doing math, this is sure to
entice the budding biologists in your classroom.
Museum of Science Boston (http://www.mos.org/educators/student_resources/podcasts)
conducts weekly interviews with their own staff of scientists and guest
researchers. This collection of podcasts offers an in-depth look at the
most current developments in science and technology.
NASA (http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/podcasting)
features 33 different podcast series to choose from. Many of which
contain video and images from NASA projects. Be sure to subscribe to
the weekly video updates on current research being conducted and
monthly astronomy guides to the night sky.
American Public Media (http://americanpublicmedia.publicradio.org/podcasts)
National Public Radio (http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast/podcast_directory.php)
The
annual conference brings together the world's most fascinating
thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives
(in 18 minutes). The talks from this exclusive conference are made available for the world the view.
Grammar can be fun and entertaining! This podcast features short, friendly tips to improve your writing. Grammar Girl makes complex grammar questions simple with memory tricks to help you recall and apply those troublesome grammar rules.
One
of the many podcasts that are available in HD. Hubblecast features a
stunning collection of images from the Hubble telescope that are sure
to inspire a new generation of young scientists.
The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd This podcast is in the style of a radio show and draws heavily from The Rocky and Bullwinkle show, The show centers on a stolen time machine, and it infuses historical events in a manner that is both entertaining and educational.
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