Success with Podcasting in READ 180!

I spent a lot of time reflecting and thinking on how my students could use podcasting. We recently started our writing section of our workshop on Disasters and without fail, just like every other time I mentioned "writing" the ENTIRE class smacked their gums and a wave of "AH, Man's" flooded the room. My 8th grade boys despise writing the most.

This past week I gave a mini lesson on podcasting, Gabcast and how we could record our writing, book responses and reviews right from MY cell phone. "Cell phone? Did I say cell phone???" Now I had their attention! I reminded them of how proud they had been of themselves after we went through the writing and editing process and published last workshops expository paragraphs on Immigration and its effects on their neighborhoods. One of my students in particular suprised himself the most.

As I was reminding them of this very moment, it was his eyes that lit up. I went out on a limb and I asked my 8th grade, 200+ lb, football player if he would record his previous writing and be our first "episode". Luckily, he agreed.

He reviewed his writing, rereading and practicing in his best fluency (mind you these are all level 1's, 2's and low 3's in reading). He then picked up my cell phone, dialed the gabcast number, entered our user name and then recorded his paragraph. It all took less than five minutes!

I reminded the class that when we published our work before, only the class was able to benefit from it. Now, not only can the world appreciate their hard work, but they can comment on it as well. They loved this "new" form of literacy! Seconds later I heard, "Can I podcast too? Can I publish my paragraph?" What a motivational tool!

I plan to continue podcasting as my classes tackle writing narrative paragraphs on their experiences with extreme weather! I can't wait! New channel coming soon! Until then...listen to our first episode.

Gabcast! Expository Paragraphs #2 - Expository Writing on Immigration in Greensboro, NC

Why Podcast??

Before my research and readings on podcasts, I must admit that I thought podcasts were videos. Apparently they can be in this form, but they are called Vodcasts. The definition I read stated that the word podcast derived from the words ipod and broadcast. Podcasts are audio recordings that are available on the internet and are usually made in a serial fashion and can be listened to like your favorite sitcom.

When I realized that a podcast was an audio file I began asking myself what the difference was between a podcast a music file on sites such as itunes that you can search for and download. With podcasts you can subscribe to them as you would to the very blog you are reading! You can also have the podcasts come to you through RSS feeds allowing you to be updated frequently on works such as blog entries, news headlines, audio and video files. This way, work can be published once and then be sent and viewed by many different programs. OK, enough on RSS....

I researched ways that other teachers used podcasts and found some pretty interesting stuff! Not only are students utilizing podcasts as a new way of applying newly learned information, but teachers are also using it as a management tool.

So why podcast?

• Students can read/publish their original poetry/writing pieces


• Foreign language teachers are narrating passages that students can translate at home


• Teachers can record overviews/study guides


• Music students can record their compositions


• Teachers record lectures for students who are absent


• Elementary students are recording their messages to pen pals around the world

Digital Books

I recently created two digital books using a program called Tarheel Reader. Digital Books allow you to put text that is appropriately leveled to a particular children's reading ability and interest. You are able to search for or download colorful and interesting photography to match your text. This is such a powerful tool for reader's that you are having a difficult time matching to a book of their interest or ability. I could spend hours creating books on this website! You can also add speech as the books can be read aloud in a variety of voices. The only drawback I see is that I would not advocate for parents to use the program. It is entailed for teenagers and adults learning to read and the material in many of the books is catered to their interests and maturity level which may not be suitable for many of our younger students.

I am a middle school teacher and I teach reading to students who have lost all interest and desire to read. Fortunately for me, many of the books in my program are made for students at this age group, maturity and interest. This is done so as not to embarass them or bring down their morale even more by asking them to read elementary books true to their reading level. I can see how digital books would be a powerful tool for students like mine. I do not have much versatility with the program I work with, but can see how digital books would be beneficial especially for my BR and/orEnglish as a Second Language students.

Here are the two links to my Digital Books. Enjoy-I know I did!
http://tarheelreader.org/2008/10/26/a-to-z-sports/
http://tarheelreader.org/2008/10/26/tree-frogs/