UCB x 359.5 Podcasts in Education

It was helpful how the article FAQ: For Podcast Fans clearly described Podcasts. The name comes up so often and although one has a vague idea, the average person is unclear as to exactly what they are. The fact that they are either audio files, video files or documents, or any combination of those three makes it easier to understand. Also, the article clarifies that they are FREE and available automatically anywhere at anytime...talk about staying connected!

What is RSS Feed?
Background information and the explanation of how podcasts function and are used by bloggers was interesting. The article did get a bit confusing given my lack of knowledge and use of this technology. The curious note is that there seems to be no clear name for the RSS acronym nor for its origins.

The article that gave the common and practical uses for podcasts in education was Podcasting in Education. It is a great mechanism for students, educators and administrators, and even parents. The possibillity for students to present a project done at home makes for such possibilities and interesting projects. For educators, being able to do voice recordings, show photos, movies and include sound effects could lead to awesome lessons and incorporation of more real life situations and perspectives to class. I can imagine how many more "visitors" from the surrounding community might be presented to students.
Another plus is the possibility of delivering content, homework assignments book narrations, and more can allow students and parents to access material at home as well as review at their own pace...that it awesome for students facing difficulty with content for various reasons.

While I think podcasts are an awesome tool, I do realize that the population of students I am working with does not have full access to the technology needed to use podcasts at home. Secondly, given my school's limited resources, for example, just one LCD projector for about 30+ teachers makes it difficult to present podcasts in classes