"Live from New York, It's Mr. L's classroom!"

Podcasting is a media type that is not innovative due to its content but rather the way it is transported. Podcasting allows you to download audio or visual content via the internet to your computer or mobile device. It is commonly confused with streaming media where the file is brought to you live through the internet but has no permanent location on your computer. Podcasting can add to the classroom learning experience in two distinct ways, as explained below.

First, podcasting can be used to transmit an audio or visual presentation to your students. In my Current Events elective, the students often view Current Events podcasts created by CNN or other sources and later reflect on what they watched. Planet in Peril and CNN Student News have been particularly impactful for my students.

On the flip side, teachers may assign a project where groups in the class can create their own audio (or visual perhaps) podcast. This can be an effective assessment tool by which teachers can ascertain students' understanding of a topic. Asking students to explain a concept and give verbal examples represents a higher level of thought and provides the teacher with information about possible student misconceptions. As with many of the instances of technology we have discussed, a teacher may expect higher student engagement and excitement during this type of activity. Furthermore, students who in the past have withdrawn from some math activities may have increased excitement and/or confidence due to the "performance" aspect of the activity.