Article by D. Burt

I was reviewing the CD of readings for the course and came across this article. I had overlooked it before but, given the nature of the project I have been working on with my students, it now took on a new relevance.
The research outlined explores the effect of podcasting on reading outcomes (p20). Whilst my classroom project incorporating simple sound files has been focussed mainly on a different aspect of student learning and has an audience that is limited to the school community, there is a commonality in some of the issues raised.
It was interesting to note the positives and negatives that Burt highlights. Engagement, motivation and authenticity of context were all identified as important benefits of podcasting (p24). Lack of time to carry out necessary teacher conferencing was identified as a drawback. (p25)
The article concludes that “important questions … …still remain unanswered” (p25) This has mirrored my own experiences. Whilst student enthusiasm has been high it has been a challenge to find the time needed to carry out the necessary development work to ensure that scripts are appropriate and well crafted.
Burt also makes a critical point about the importance of the role of the teacher. (p25) It can be tempting to see the incorporation of new technologies as the being the goal whilst forgetting the point that is made in the article that “technology - no matter how inviting - is not enough on its own”(p25). This would appear to be supported by Higgins, Beauchamp and Miller (2007) who, in discussing IWB technologies, discuss the importance of technology being seen as “another pedagogical means to achieve teaching and learning goals” (P217).
This reinforces the nature of the challenge presented. If the teachers role is critical it is both vital that the time management issues inherent in the process can be addressed but also difficult to see how this can be achieved within the busy classroom.
It is certainly an area that I will need to give further consideration to as I continue to use Audacity with my class.
References
Burt, D (2008) The lure of podcasting Computers in New Zealand Schools, 20 (1), 19-25
Higgins, S., Beauchamp, G. Miller, D. (2007) Reviewing the Literature on interactive whiteboards Learning, Media and Technology, 32 (3), September 2007, pp 213-225