Instructional+Podcast

= = == =Project Description:=

Below is a podcast I created using voicethread.com. It addresses thematic elements in the book, //Eggs// by Jerry Spinelli. Thoughout the podcast I address concepts such as metaphor, anology, and allegory through questioning techniques and the visualization I included. This book was selected by some students in my mods 3 and 4 classes as an independent reading project. I invite you to view, view the podcast and student responses.

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=Reflection:= Using Voicethread seemed easy when it was presented in our training. However, when I sat down to use it, I found that I needed to move slowly and carefully through the web app. The tools and buttons do not always lead to the same result as in MS and other applications. Thus, I had several problems creating my instructional podcast. On a somewhat related note, I found that I needed to compose notes prior to narrating a slide on Voicethread. If I did not, I ended recording the narration multiple times. Finally, I was surprised that my students preferred typing their answers rather than using the microphone. I suspect that the students who tested this feature are more comfortable being able to see their answers than speak them and keep re-recording them like I did. In the fall, when I use another podcast similar to this format, I need to remember to link a survey about students responses and why they chose typing text v. microphone, etc.

=MSDE Technology Standards for Teachers:= **I. Information Access, Evaluation,**** Processing and Application** 1. Identify, locate, retrieve and differentiate among a variety of electronic sources of information using technology. 2. Evaluate information critically and competently for a specific purpose.

II. Communication
2. Use productivity tools to publish information. 3. Use multiple digital sources to communicate information online. Understand human, equity and developmental issues surrounding the use of assistive technology to enhance student learning performance and apply that understanding to practice. 1. Identify and analyze assistive technology resources that accommodate individual student learning needs. 2. Apply assistive technology to the instructional process and evaluate its impact on learners with  diverse backgrounds, characteristics and abilities.
 * B. ** Use technology to communicate information in a variety of formats.
 * VI. Assistive Technology **

=MSDE Technology Standards for Students:= 6.A. Systems 1. Demonstrate knowledge of technology systems a) Use keyboard and mouse 6.A. Learning 1. Select and use technology tools to enhance learning a) Use technology tools, including software and hardware, from a range of teacher-selected options to learn new content or reinforce skills.