The fact my degree is in marketing is ironic because I despise the advertising industry. Entering undergrad my initial philosophy was to not complain, but change the game from the mainframe. Today I still see the same marketing trends mixed with new manipulative strategies designed to entice audiences. I don't know about you, but HATED IT!!!! Comcast knows I get my moneys worth each month recording on my DV-R. I tend to watch the same channels so the commercials become extremely monotonous. Bottom line because of On Demand technology we don't have to rely on traditional media to be educated or entertained.
Before tonight's class I already knew podcasting existed, but the explanation and tutorials tonight have proven to be very valuable. Allocating time properly to expose and educate students at an early age will increase their chances of familiarity and overcoming obstacles. Podcasts are a free, on demand, and are easy to subscribe to a plethora of topics. If you have anything to say about any topic, but no audience to talk to podcasting might be the creative outlet you are in search of. Podcasting gives the narrator a voice, everyone is a potential broadcaster by empowering individual choice. A broadcast can be achieved through common technology components such as a computer, microphone, and internet access. Pod and Screencasting are an amazing approach to individual based learning. Many students including ELL and SPED can learn at their own pace. This technology allows students to receive help without the traditional textbook. Students have another valuable resource that is free and available outside of the classroom.
If you are committed to taking casting to the next level then screen casting is the approach to take. The students I teach should excel and stand out as an outstanding student, but are usually apprehensive due to the pressures of the dominant popular student culture. Many of the students that are highly regarded by their peers often choose to be underachievers. Now I have a mini remedy for this classroom epidemic. I can use Screen Cast technology as a formative assessment by utilizing the attributes of the program. Every student will have the opportunity to submit their answer explanations without any pressure other than the technology itself (which we will practice). I am very confident in my ability to adapt and implement technology into the California curriculum it is just a matter of time and exposure to the unknown.
As
educators we need to determine what is relevant and important enough for our
students. We also need to challenge ourselves if we expect our students to
accept adversity and change. I also believe that society is changing at such a
rapid pace that we must prepare our students for that day. The jobs they may
end up with haven’t even been invented yet. Virtual work is increasing as work
in the classroom is decreasing. Today textbooks just don’t make sense, the
process should be obsolete, but we continue to justify high costs and out of
date material. Students need to learn how to become stellar and adaptable learners
for the 21st Century. The skills they master now are essential for their success in the
future.
