Podcasts inside the classroom...

I recently started exploring the world of podcasts. At first I began by subscribing to the national news. In a short podcast I was made aware of the days'  main events. I then ventured to a set of podcasts known as "stuff you should know." Although the podcasts were entertaining, they included only audio feed.  Without a visual representation I found myself unintentionally losing interest. I then stumbled upon the "educational" blogs on itunes. A wealth of information is available in podcast form. Children's literature, poetry, historical speeches, scientific explorations....everything anyone could inquire about is on a podcast. 

My favorite set of podcasts where entitled "Women in Antarctica." This series of podcasts explores Antarctica, and the women who live their. The photography is breathtaking. It leaves me wanting to travel and see the world.  

Educational podcasts (such as 'Women in Antarctica"), news podcast, and informational podcasts (such a historical speeches and children's poetry) should all be integrated into today's classroom. In addition, student created podcasts are a great way to engage students in learning. School assignments should increasingly incorporate technology. Creating a podcasts is one unique way to bring technology to life inside the classroom.

Web 2.0 video podcast

Global Connections...

Global Connections....

Of the list provided, the two websites I enjoyed the most were: www.globalschoolnet.org and www.k12science.org/collabprojs.html. Both of these are global sites for educators. They allow educators and students to connect with students around the world. Both sites listed above are easy to navigate, user-friendly and eye-pleasing. Included in both sites is an annual "global science fair" where classrooms enter their own internet science project and compete against schools around the world. In globalschool.net students can reach out and contact students similar to them in distant lands. Deaf students in the United States are able to connect with and contact deaf students in Mexico, Canada, Denmark...anywhere that has an internet connection. K12science is a collection of science projects focusing on worldwide data. Common science projects are listed, and students collect their own data and compare their data to data across the globe. One example is water usage. Student collect data on how much water they consume in one day and compare their numbers with students across the globe. 

Research has shown that students who are able to connect with others on a global level perform better on standardized testing. Granting students the opportunity to make connections globally will help to expand students' minds and will allow them to think outside of just their own community. Global connections give students the opportunity to recognize and understand their place in the world.  Students are able to collaborate with students in places most of us will never visit. 

Using the internet tool Skype, global connections are taken to a whole new level. Skype allows students to have direct contact and communication with their peers globally. If time zones permit it, students can chat one on one with their peers. This puts a whole new meaning on the term 'pen-pals'. Using Skype, students get video and audio of their peers in other cultures/countries. They can connect globally to other lessons in other classrooms or chat one on one with a peer.

We do not live in isolation. We rely on the majority of the world for our own survival. In the new age of technology, global connections are made even easier. This promises a brighter future filled with cross-cultural ideas and increased positive foreign relations.