Objective:

In this English Language Arts (ELA) elective course, students will explore the world of podcasts, focusing on various aspects of creating, producing, and presenting their own podcasts. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical application, students will develop their language arts, communication, and creative skills, and gain an understanding of the impact and potential of podcasting in the modern media landscape.

Concept: 

This elective emphasizes the significance of individual expression and the power of personal perspective, which aligns well with the creative and exploratory nature of podcasting. The idea is that through podcasting, students have the opportunity to use their voices to share their unique perspectives and stories, while also making choices about the content and format of their podcasts.

Podcasting can be a powerful and engaging application of ELA that encourages students to develop a wide range of skills and competencies. Podcasting can support the development of ELA skills and encourage critical thinking, research, persuasive communication, and more:

Research and Information Writing

When creating a podcast, students will conduct research to gather information for their episodes. This involves identifying credible sources, analyzing and synthesizing information, and effectively incorporating it into their content. Researching and writing scripts for podcasts can help students develop their information literacy and writing skills, including the ability to organize and present information in a clear and engaging manner.

Persuasive Communication Techniques

Podcasting provides students with a platform to express their ideas, opinions, and arguments in a persuasive and compelling way. Whether they are discussing a current issue, presenting a creative story, or sharing their perspectives, students can hone their persuasive communication techniques by using language effectively to engage and influence their audience.

Understanding and Using Various Media Forms

Podcasting involves a multimedia approach, as students incorporate music, sound effects, and other audio elements to enhance their storytelling and communication. This allows students to understand and experiment with various media forms, fostering their ability to communicate through different modalities and understand the impact of multimedia on audience engagement.

Critical Thinking

Creating a podcast requires students to think critically about their content, including the topics they choose, the perspectives they present, and the messages they convey. Students can develop critical thinking skills by evaluating the credibility of information, considering different viewpoints, and making informed decisions about how to structure and present their content in a compelling and ethical manner.

Interviewing and Debate

Many podcasts feature interviews and discussions, providing students with the opportunity to develop interviewing skills and engage in meaningful debates. Conducting interviews encourages active listening, thoughtful questioning, and the ability to elicit information from others, while engaging in debates through podcasts can help students enhance their ability to articulate and defend their viewpoints.

Overall, podcasting in the context of ELA provides a dynamic and creative outlet for students to engage with language, communication, and media. It encourages them to explore diverse forms of expression, develop their critical thinking and research skills, and practice persuasive communication techniques in a real-world context, ultimately fostering their growth as effective and thoughtful communicators.

Week 1: Introduction to Podcasts and Ideation

Introduction to Podcasts

• Understanding the concept of podcasts

• Immersion in different podcast genres and styles

• Examples and analysis of successful podcasts

Podcast Idea

• Brainstorming session for podcast ideas

• Identifying target audience and purpose

• Developing a unique podcast concept

Logo Design

• Basics of branding (as it applies to podcasts)

Students will draw comparisons between book covers and logos. Students will learn that the logo for their podcast serves the same purpose as a book cover–the visual representation of the content within–a powerful tool that captures the essence of the story, evokes emotions, and entices potential readers [in their case, listeners, to explore what lies between the pages (podcast)].

• Creating a logo for the podcast using digital tools (Canva)

Week 2: Planning and Proposal

Podcast Proposal

• Structuring a podcast proposal

• Outlining the format, content, and goals of the podcast

• Pitching and presenting podcast proposals

Week 3: Preparing for Production

Plan Pilot Episode

• Planning the structure and content of the pilot episode

• Scripting the introduction and segments

• Understanding the role of storytelling in podcasting

Weeks 4-6: Scripting and Recording

Write Pilot Script

• Writing and refining the script for the pilot episode

• Incorporating narrative and dialogue

• Understanding voice modulation and pacing for audio storytelling

Week 6: Recording

• Recording

• Introduction to recording in AUDACITY software (free) on Chromebooks

• Techniques for clear and engaging voice recording

• Conducting interviews and discussions for the podcast

Week 7: Editing and Refinement

• Basics editing in AUDACITY on Chromebooks

• Editing recorded content for clarity and coherence

• Adding music, sound effects, and transitions

Weeks 8-9: Production and Presentation

• Finalizing the pilot episode

• Creating promotional materials for the podcast

• Presenting the pilot episode to the class and/or school community

Assessment:

• Participation in discussions and activities

• Completion of podcast proposal and pilot episode script

• Quality of the pilot episode recording and presentation

• Peer and self-evaluations

hdye@sfccs.org