3 Reasons for Creating Podcasts in Schools
Podcasting has existed since 2004. Over the years, it has gained traction in education as both a learning and teaching tool. Educational podcasts have provided value to listeners over the years, but this article outlines three reasons to encourage teachers and/or students to create their own podcasts.
- Podcasting is Storytelling
Crafting and telling great stories (fiction or nonfiction) relies on blending creativity with order. It is well known that students who read or listen to stories assimilate new ideas/information with their existing worldviews. By giving students the opportunity to actively listen to professionally made podcasts, they will begin to hone their listening skills (over time), generate ideas for podcast content, and critically analyze viewpoints. When tasked with building their own podcast, students will draw upon these skills to craft and tell creative and strategically ordered stories.
2. Learning through Creation
The theory of constructivism states that “people construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences.” When students are encouraged to listen to podcasts, curate their own content, conduct interviews, edit sound clips, and share their final productions, they are applying design thinking principles and creativity skills. The skills and knowledge (time management, resource management, communication, and technical expertise) involved in making podcasts will directly benefit them in nearly any future project or career.
3. Learning on the Go
With the internet in our back pockets, we are constantly receiving information. The gradual increase in podcasts has meant that we can learn on the go while accomplishing other tasks. Students who are encouraged to listen and create podcasts might be more inclined to develop the habit of using their time (e.g. while commuting, waiting in lines, etc.) to hear new ideas through listening rather than default to social media scrolling, generally offering minimal creative or intellectual stimulation.
SET encourages all academic organizations to consider creating podcasts for both sharing great stories and developing skill sets. We produce our own podcast on edtech and innovation and also sponsor and co-create the Lunch Duty Podcast. If you’re interested in creating a podcast for your organization or would like to talk about launching one at your school, please email us at contactus@strategicedtech.com
Happy Listening (and creating)!
