How could a digital audio file, uploaded to the online world, and then either downloaded or played be received or conceived by users? It's absolutely fascinating. Podcasts are now the next best thing to books and music! Podcasts are your best friend as they provide ample amount of information, casually or formally. From storytelling, to gossip monger shows, and financial guru experts. Podcasts are there for our multi-tasking, informative, DIY (do-it-yourself) culture that we live in today. 

In fact, podcasts are available on:

• Spotify

• Apple Music/other music subscription platforms

• Radio

• YouTube

• News channels

• Various free sites

Podcasts vary in medium:

• simple audio

• hosted audio show 

• edited and produced show/conversations of topic

• incorporation of guests and visuals

The Secret Life of Canada IS A GEM! I first found this resource when I was starting my practicum about 5 years ago. As I was teaching social studies 10, I wanted to find REAL Canadian resources that were focused on Canadian perspectives. This is a rich social studies content and when I discovered how vast and creative CBC was, I was mind-blown. 

This podcast series is brilliant in its authenticity. 

1. The tone of the podcasts can ease into more open-minded topics up for open discussion, inquiry, and student curiosity in the classroom. (I have found my students more confident in their thoughts, idea generation, and question-making when they hear how other adults/intellects speak).

2. It's fun! The episodes focus on the people, places and stories that didn't make it in the textbook. (Often stories of minority groups, stories that were lost, new to Canada's historical significance). 

3. Having semi-formal learning experiences with your class, allows for life experience and new perspectives to be taken into account when tackling socioeconomic and/or historical issues in Canada today. (This could build towards classroom community, vulnerability, and trust). 

4. Accessibility! From personal experience, I've always been a keen social studies student. But as a Chinese-Canadian, many cool and culturally fundamental stories of immigrants were excluded. This podcast allows for our students to access learning for free, to leisurely dig deep, and enjoy the historical learning that schools may not offer or have the time to facilitate.