Do you listen to Podcasts? Are you an avid listener? What topics or categories interests you?
Podcasts consist of a series of audio episodes, covering a topic or theme that serves your interest.
Benefits of utilizing podcasts in the school library:
It gives students a voice to be heard.
It’s an engaging technology tool that incorporates learning.
Only requires a microphone which is built into most computers.
Students can give a review of a book they read.
Students can give recommendations.
Students can record excerpts of a book they recommend.
Librarians can give book talks.
The librarian can post a podcast link to the school/library website.
Librarians can record instructions on how to use online databases.
Librarians can discuss award winning books.
There can be discussions concerning banned books.
Students can discuss makerspace activities.
Let me introduce to you a few podcasts that I've been exploring over the past few days.
- Gives over 20 categories of podcasts to choose from including
Provides a step-by-step guide on how to start a podcast.
Easily accessible from smartphone by downloading from the app store or google play.
Provides numerous features without having to buy a subscription.
The layout, organization, and aesthetics are pleasing.
Runs smoothly without any glitches.
The user can create a live show.
Allows video content and a guest host to join in.
Allows for promotion of your channel.
Subscriptions range from $9-99 per month.
The recording button is not easily found.
Doesn’t offer security features.
Only allows up to 5 hours of audio per month with a free plan.
It does not provide a back-up feature.
Only a 7 day refund policy.
Suitable for beginners.
Has chapter markers which allows users to navigate to their favorite part.
It allows you to create a customizable website to host the podcast with your domain.
Allows for multiple episodes in one player.
Easy to navigate for beginners and to analyze data.
Has a sound bite feature to create a video trailer for your podcast.
It forecasts the amount of downloads you will have for the next episode.
You can manage unlimited podcasts under one account.
Gives a detailed guide on how to start a podcast.
Plans are more expensive starting at $12/month and increase to $24/month.
Each subscription allows a limited number of uploads.
Free plan ends in 90 days.
The subscriber will lose unused space each month.
100% free–there are no paid options.
An app mobile for mobile devices is available in addition to the website for computer use.
Allows you to record audio from your browser and save audio files to reuse. No file conversion is needed.
You can add songs from Spotify to your episodes.
The interface is very easy to use–you just drag and drop different audio files, transition songs, and sounds into the episode bar on the right, drag to reorder sections, and save.
You can easily add background music to your recorded voice.
You can only have one show per account.
Anchor is owned by Spotify, and since it’s a free program, they insert ads into your podcast.
If you choose to monetize your podcast, you must pay a cut to Spotify.
Recording time is limited to 30 minutes.
Requires approval by Spotify before an episode goes live if you include songs from Spotify.
With all this positive information, you know there are always challenges.
Students may not feel comfortable recording their voice or being criticized for sharing their opinions on literature. Also, students may not have school access to utilize this tool.
If you are using podcasts for school purposes, remember.....
A digital/online policy must be created and followed by all users.
No matter if you listen to podcasts or not, I promise it's worth your time. Choose a topic or category or just put it on in the background! You won't regret it!
First of all, I really like that your blog is simple and easy-to-follow without too much going on, it's to the point and very appealing. I like that you shared ideas of how to make podcasts something that can be used for your library or students can use as well. Students can practice their speaking skills and share their voice. There is the downside to not having school access to utilize the tool unless it's purchased by the district. I like that you include all the advantages and disadvantages to each platform as well. I used Anchor before in a previous class and used Podbean for this assignment, so it was nice to see that you talked about both for this post. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Amber! I love that you started out by sharing the benefits of podcasts. This is a great way to get your blog reader hooked and understand why the topic is important. Additionally, the ideas you shared for how to use podcasts in schools are fantastic. Two ideas I hadn't considered before were using them to record instructions on how to use online databases and having students discuss makerspace activities through podcast recordings. Thanks for sharing these new ideas!
ReplyDeleteYour podcast covered a very hot-button topic that grabbed my attention as soon as I saw the title. Your tips for what to do if someone challenges a book in my library were very informative, and I will definitely keep these in mind as I begin the new school year. Also, both of you have such great speaking voices that sound very clear on recording. Wonderful job!