I listened to The Naked Scientists podcast. It was interesting and fun. Basically it is just “naked” science being discussed by scientists. Pretty much anyone can call with any science questions, and they discuss them. Also, they discuss recent events in science. It was interesting because they had different scientists with different perspectives discussing exciting topics. It is fast pace and definitely for people who enjoy science and know about it. However, it is just fun to listen to because you can pick up on some interesting facts. They even have students who are in elementary school helping them, so it tries to appeal to all ages. I think if teachers could find things like this discussing the same topics they are in class; they could use it as an outside tool for learning. It would give students other view points and encourage them to research the topic more. I think using podcasts would be a great tool to use for promoting critical pedagogy or thinking. In class teachers can only present so much about certain topics, but if students could on their own time listen to podcasts they would be immersed more in the topic. It may increase interest in a topic and help students understand it better. It gives more sides of the topics to help students think critically and begin to learn to research their world. Also I think it would help teachers grow by listening to the podcasts. They could learn recent facts that perhaps might help bring the subject more alive to the students. Also I think by listening to podcasts, teachers are bettering themselves as teachers. Subjects are constantly changing because the world is constantly changing. By staying caught up with the new information teachers are staying well rounded and knowledgeable. If students are interested in new information, then teachers can offer the podcasts they listen to. I think this would help teachers build credit and a relationship with the student. I definitely could see podcasting becoming a major part of school and learning in the future.
Reflect Podcast
March 30th, 2006 · 2 Comments
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1
Rambo’s Edublog » Response to Carrie
// Apr 2, 2006 at 5:07 pm
[...] Carrie, I listened to a podcast this week which was very similar to the one you chose. Instead of having people call in with questions, the cast I listened to was more like a radio show. I agree with you in that podcasts seem like really great tools for learning. Even though I am a “science person” I feel like the cast I listened to could appeal to anyone and that most people would be able to follow along and understand what was going on. I definitely think that podcasts would be great in the classroom to promote outside exploration and get kids interested in different topics. I hadn’t thought about it from a teacher oriented perspective until I read your response. I agree that teachers would definitely be able to use podcasts to keep up with trends and breakthroughs in education and their own subject matters. Building teacher-student relationships was another idea I hadn’t thought about. Giving students podcasts to listen to on their free time could definitely create opportunities to bond with the students and help them connect school to their outside lives. One thing I thought about was recording lessons or lecture for students to have access to outside of school. This could help students with learning disabilities and students who missed class catch up. Being about to go back and listen to something I missed during class or reinforce a concept has always been a big help to me. [...]
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Peter C
// Apr 10, 2006 at 9:48 am
I listened to The Naked Scientists, on your recommendation.
I WAS VERY IMPRESSED.
I’m also now addicted and have ended up downloading most of their (extensive) back catalogue of podcasts.
To add some further detail to the points raised above.
- The ‘casts are 1 hour long, light, and highly educational for all age groups. Humour plays a big part
- They’re divided into 2 halves. The first half deals with more general science news and issues and takes general questions from listeners via telephone and email. The second half is themed and comprises a series of live interviews with scientists who come in to talk about their work. These scientists then also answer questions from listeners.
- Each show also has a kitchen science component involving a simple do it at home experiment. These are great fun.
My criticisms are that it is only an hour long, and that there’s very little time give to subjects like Maths (my area). But then I would say that!
That said, I would give this 11 out of 10. It’s fun yet talks serious science. The hosts are also highly charismatic and have you champing at the bit for more.
Thanks for the heads-up.
Peter