KarenE+Project+Page

=__**Karen Emery's Podcast/Vodcast Project**__=

=//BACKGROUND//=

In my role as Technology Integrator at Westbrook's junior high school, I am required to set three goals for myself each school year. One of my three goals for the 2008-2009 school year is outlined below:

__**2ND GOAL/OBJECTIVE**__ Create and deliver 6th grade student and teacher online instruction modules that will introduce and reinforce basic computer skills,as described in the Technology Operations and Concepts section of the Educational Technology Standards. //**Action Steps**//: 1. Determine the appropriate medium to build instructional content 2. Research other sources of online learning to evaluate how they are structured 3. Build modules individually, focusing on the creation of modules that address current needs as students move through the 6th grade curriculum 4. Train students and teachers how to access and use online learning content //**Measurement:**// Completion of modules by all students and teachers with a demonstrated increase in basic skills and knowledge. //**Target Completion Date**//: June 2009
 * //Description//**: Online Learning Content

The first action step for my second goal is to determine an appropriate medium to build instructional content. In doing this, I need to consider what technology resources are available to our 6th grade students and teachers. They have carts of first generation G3 MLTI devices, which don't have a lot of processing power. Therefore, my choice of medium must be Internet based. I also have to consider that I will have little or no classroom time to teach students. The instruction has to be available to them during study hall or perhaps keyboarding class.

=//WHY PODCASTING?//=

After taking this USM class, I realize that instructional podcasts and vodcasts could be a great way to introduce or reinforce basic computer concepts. It could also be a way to teach students and teachers about Web 2.0 tools. Although I will not do all instructional content in podcasts/vodcasts, it will be one way to begin an instructional module and could be followed by supplemental material, like slides and online activities, I think podcasts will be particularly helpful for auditory learners. Podcasts could also be created to provide professional development for teachers that find it difficult to attend after school technology workshops and classes.

=//HOW WILL THIS WORK?//=

Because the instructional podcasts I develop need to be posted and shared online, I need to choose a location to host them. Since our school has recently subscribed to Moodle, this seems like a good place for them. Moodle is course-management software, designed to augment or replace a traditional classroom environment. It offers several distinct advantages over traditional instruction, such as using technology to engage students, allowing interaction and individualization of instruction, providing resources not available in books alone, and allowing students to revise and edit work online.

=//COLLABORATION//=

Westbrook participates in the Sebago Alliance Moodle Site. The purpose of this site is to promote collaboration, activities and critical reflections between all members of the educational community in Windham, Westbrook and Gorham, Maine. Westbrook will have a greater presence in this alliance if we develop and share instructional podcasts that others can use. Other schools in the Westbrook district as well as other districts may find them useful. Ideally, this collaboration will expand over time. Podcasts (and other instructional material) could be developed by technology integrators and content area teachers at any or all of the schools. These instructional podcasts could be on a variety of topics, and could be developed for students, teachers, or both. I also think that students might enjoy creating instructional podcasts for their peers on topics they've learned about or skills they have.

=//EXAMPLE OF INSTRUCTIONAL PODCAST//=