Journal #2: Using Podcasts to Develop a Global Perspective

Maguth, B. M., & Elliot, J. (2010). Using Podcasts to develop a global perspective. Learning and Leading    with Technology, 37(5), Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/201002#pg1

Abstract:  Teachers at a science, technology, enginerring and math high school have integrated pod-casting into their curriculum.  From what I gathered from the article, creating a pod-cast involves uploading personal files onto the internet.  These files can then be downloaded onto a PC or a mobile device by anyone who knows the url where the files are being stored. Introducing students to pod-casting not only makes the students more computer savvy as they are becoming competent with a new computer technology, but it also enables students to reach a larger audience than just the classroom as they are able to project their work over the internet.  One potential benefit that may come from pod-casting in the classroom is that students will most likely want submit their best work as parents, teachers and their peers will have access to the work that they post online.

How can this technology promote multicultural education in the classroom?
Pod-casting is a wonderful way to promote multicultural education in the classroom.  The students in the above mentioned article were assigned a project in which they were all required to research different people's views on the topic of global warming.  The teacher assigned the students to research different individuals that have vastly contrasting environmental agendas.  By role playing a debate from the perspectives of affluent individuals in the world, the students gained a well rounded perspective of the many issues surrounding global warming.  Students then submitted their work online via pod-casting.  This same education lesson could be used with almost any subject matter such as the history of the caste system and classism.

Is pod-casting a feasible educational method at all public high schools?
In the beginning of the article the author mentioned that the students were attending a science, technology, engineering and math high school.  Only technologically inclined students would attend such a school and this makes me wonder how well pod-casting would fare in a regular public high school.  Basic computer web browsing skills and access to to computers would be a necessary skill base for the students to have in order for this lesson to work.  In the near future, as more emphasis in computer education is integrated into primary schooling, all students that have attended a California public school from K-8 will most likely have the skills to carry out such an assignment.  However, I don't think that all high school students in our current educational system have the skills and resources to pod-cast.