Which application should I use?

 Learners in Wales have access to several applications that allow them to develop their podcasting skills. 

A podcast is a digital audio recording; it is similar to a radio show, and it is usually downloadable over the internet. Podcasts are usually accessed through apps like Spotify or Apple Podcasts. They cover a range of topics and are made for all types of listeners.

 Podcasts allow learners to explain their knowledge, understanding and thinking on anything they are learning about in an audio format.

 Recordings can be made in Hwb applications; in J2e (microphone), or once logged in to your Adobe account, learners can use Adobe Podcast.

 Other applications can also be used to support learners' understanding, using audio to explain their understanding, beginning with apps like Seesaw in the early years.

Where to start...

Learners can start by adding audio to their digital work. This can begin with explaining something they have added.

 Understanding that using digital tools to express what they understand can allow learners a new method of demonstrating their knowledge on a topic.

Begin with asking pupils to explain what they have done, but, more importantly, explaining why they have done something.

This can be dependent on several factors;

1. Devices which are available to the learners, some apps are simpler to use than others

2. The confidence of the staff in using the technology

3. What function does the video serve? 

Adobe Express & Canva- create videos by adding pictures and videos, add text or audio to explain further and music to support the content.

Stream & Screen recorders- screen record their work and add a voice over to explain what they have created.

Why get learners to create podcasts?

 A podcast is a digital audio or video programme. Generally, they are listened to or watched by others with an interest in the topic which those in the podcast are interested in.

 Learners can create podcasts on the topics which they are learning about in class. 

Initially, learners can create podcasts that only include themselves; they can record a monologue where they talk about the topic they have been learning about.

 Tip: Ask learners to fulfil a success criterion when planning what they will say. This can be achieved through the use of bullet points or by writing a script. 

This develops to learners hosting conversations where the success criteria is discussed by several learners, where one takes the role of host. They should plan a series of conversation areas, again to match the success criteria. This can develop from written scripts to the host having a series of questions which allow others to explain answers, where conversations can naturally occur to deepen the explanation provided. 

Cognitive Load Theory

John Sweller suggests our working memory can only hold a set amount of information, for this reason, it is important to manage the skills/knowledge that learners are asked to apply.

Learners must use technology to enhance their learning experiences. Therefore, we should avoid overloading them with applying digital skills and having to recall the knowledge they are showcasing. 

By developing a learner's understanding of how infographics can be used to show their understanding systematically. It will allow them to retain a focus on the information they are including and not become overwhelmed by having to remember too many digital skills.

Examples of Podcasts

 These podcasts could be listened to with learners, which will give them an idea of what they are looking to recreate on the task they have been set.

Introduction to podcasting: possibly Nursery/Reception

Secondary School skills development

Assuming all feeder primary schools are developing the above skills within the assignments their learners are completing. In that case, secondary schools can have a solid grounding to create videos to share their understanding.

In secondary schools, teachers can then be confident that when asking learners to complete tasks or integrate into activities, learners will have prior experiences to build upon.

At this point, learners entering year 7 should have the skills to create Podcasts in Adobe Express.

Expressive Arts

Learners could create a podcast where they discuss the work of notable artists. They will need to articulate their topic to an audience that is only able to listen. By using podcasts in Expressive Arts, learners will need to explain what they have been covering and, where possible, use technical terms to support the professionalism of their discussion.

Health & Well-being

Podcasts can be created to share information on a range of health and well-being topics, which could cover healthy eating or fitness podcasts. A podcast allows learners to share what they have learnt with a wider audience, and it could serve as an opportunity to include subject-specific vocabulary and provide an explanation of what that means.

Humanities

Explainer podcasts can allow a group of learners to discuss the topic they have been learning about. One learner could act as the facilitator in the conversation and bring in the 'experts' (other learners) to explain the topic, including sources of information. This will take some planning on the learner's behalf. The better they understand the subject content, the more natural the conversation will appear to be.

This could be conducted with several learners, where one facilitates the conversation and brings others in to discuss the topic at hand. The better the topic is understood, the more natural the conversation will appear to be. They can also use the transcript to ensure they have included subject-specific vocabulary and explained this where necessary. 

Languages, Literacy & Communication

Learners can record conversations or monologues in different languages, which will allow them to hear their pronunciation in different languages.

Using podcasts, learners can develop their writing skills through creating scripts in the first instance, developing on to their understanding of writing using bullet points to plan what aspects need to be included.

Being able to edit transcripts will support learners' understanding of the difference between the spoken and written word.

Maths & Numeracy

Learners can create explainer podcasts. Pairs of learners could discuss and explain how to solve mathematical problems. To do this, learners will need to explain processes and steps to an audio audience. These could be used as revision tools to support other learners on aspects of mathematics.

This could be conducted with several learners, where one facilitates the conversation and brings others in to discuss the topic at hand. The better the topic is understood, the more natural the conversation will appear to be. They can also use the transcript to ensure they have included subject-specific vocabulary and explained this where necessary. 

Science & Technology

Creating a podcast allows learners to discuss what they have learnt. If they have conducted an experiment or investigation, they can start by explaining their hypothesis, including the basis for it. They can go on to discuss how they conducted the investigation and the results they found, including their conclusion. 

This could be conducted with several learners, where one facilitates the conversation and brings others in to discuss the topic at hand. The better the topic is understood, the more natural the conversation will appear to be. They can also use the transcript to ensure they have included subject-specific vocabulary and explained this where necessary.