Journal 2: Using Podcasts to Develop a Global Perspective - NETS 5

Maguth, B.M., & Elliot, J. (2010). Using Podcasts to Develop a Global Perspective. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=February_No_5_4&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4495&ContentID=25244&DirectListComboInd=D

Teachers must educate students about cultural diversity.  At a high school in Ohio, some teachers are using podcasting to get students excited about learning about other cultures and interacting with people around the world.  For this podcast assignment, students had to moderate and record a debate on a global issue, such as climate change, in a Meet the Press format.  After researching their topics, students worked in groups to write scripts for the podcasts in which they would pretend to be the invited panelists and respond to questions.  In this way, they were to discuss and understand the multiple perspectives.  Using Garage Band, students recorded their scripted debates.  Audacity is another recording program available for Mac and PC.  After scripts were successfully completed, students used postproduction software to edit and include features such as music and commercial breaks.  With the recording finished, students converted the file to an MP3 and posted on the Internet.  One student said, “We need to turn in good work because people all over the world could see this.”  The assignment helped students explore opposing views on relevant issues.

How adaptable is this lesson plan and could it be used to foster communication with others outside of the school's community?  I think the podcast idea using a pretend debate between global leaders on a relevant issue was great.  The podcast assignment is also neat because it introduces a medium that could be used for presenting research on a myriad of topics.  Further, one could actually facilitate some type of “exchange” with a school in another part of the country or the world where students could give feedback on the various podcasts.

Is this a feasible assignment for most students in most schools in Southern California?  I am not sure about this one, but at this point, I would tend to say ‘no’.  Outside of taking specific technology courses, do high schoolers have access to the necessary software and Internet to work on such a project during or outside of class?  Students of certain economic backgrounds probably do have access to such software etc., but can I make such an assignment knowing the ease with which it will be accomplished by one student and not another?