"Using Podcasts as Audio Learning Objects" by Zaynel Cebeci and Mehmet Takdal was a fairly technical description of podcasting. Discussing in detail the beginnings, uses, and possibilities, podcasting has to offer. The article highlights several benefits of podcasting stating it 1) "serves anytime, and anywhere mobile learning" 2) provides an "option to audio learn rather than read may motivate students" and 3) "learning is no longer location dependent." The article also discusses that podcasting is new and just beginning to be implemented in the college arena. It also states that although podcasting has great educational potential, it is important to keep podcasts short and the learning objective focused.
The article, "History to Go: Why iTeach with iPods", by Deborah L. Vess was written in 2006, and 8 years later the "ipod' has undergone changes. Now the "ipod" is fused into the "iphone", putting the capabilities of a phone, camera, audio recorder, video camera, the internet, and a computer into one. We also now have "ipads"which are bigger versions of an "iphone" but smaller than a laptop or a traditional computer.
I thought it was interesting that the project took a device that is normally seen as an "entertainment outlet" and turned it to "transforming the educational experiences for students". Current educational trends are turning that way too. Although this study was done at a college level, this type of technological implementation is coming down the pipeline for both teachers and younger elementary students to master as well. Our district has just given teachers ipads and nooks to the students K-12. However, it is up to the teachers to provide the correct parameters to ensure our students get the most out of the experience.
After reading about the learning curve that these college students faced and overcame, the benefits of podcasting are evident. These students have improved their writing, speaking, and computer skills all while participating in an active learning environment that seemed to foster lasting connections.
The article, "Getting their iLessons: In a nod to popular technology, some Fresno State instructors are recording lectures so students can listen to them later on computers or iPods." by Doug Hoagland/The Fresno Bee, reminded me of watching my mom "record" her Armenian language classes with a cassette recorder. At first I thought it was the most ridiculous concept, but like the students stated in the article, the material was difficult and my mom along with those students wanted to hear it again. With the sheer ease, portability, and compatabilites of our phone, audio/video recording is so easy. Podcasts are the next logical step.