Listening to Learn: Podcasting as an Assessment Tool

Some of the students in my science classes have difficulty reading tests, quizzes and notes on their own. In the past, they have left the classroom to have materials read to them. With the help of podcasting software and ipods, the students no longer have to leave the room. After I have written a test, I read the test using a digital voice recorder then use podcasting software to add sound cues and allow more white noise between test questions to create an MP3 of the tests and quizzes. The podcast/MP3 is then downloaded to ipods or other MP3 players that are given to the students when it is time to take the test/quiz. Lecture and notes are saved as MP3s for auditory learners and students who have been absent. This way, students don't have to be embarrassed to leave the room for a test and can still have the test read aloud in a way that does not interfere with the other students' ability to complete the test.