Podcasting in the Classroom

The students will first decide which segments they want to include in their podcast by listening to other students' podcasts from Radio Willow Web at Willowdale Elementary. Once the segments are decided, the students will then choose the segment that they want to be a part of. Next, each group will be responsible for their own research and the writing of their script. They can find their information from library books, or from the Web Sites on a track I will either choose or create for them on Track Star (4teachers.org).
There will be two directors who will assist any group that needs help with their research and the writing of their script. The directors will also assist with the recording sessions. There will also be two hosts that choose the order of the pod cast and must introduce each segment. They pull the whole show together.
Once the scripts are written, it will be time to record. The students will use a microphone headset connected to the computer. Because we do not have the funds to purchase pod casting software, the students will use Windows Movie Maker to record and create their podcasts. The editing of the music is a little difficult on this program for my third graders, so I will do the editing with the students' input.
The end product, the podcast, will be posted on our class blog. The students and I can post questions for each other, or just brag about all our hard work. The students use their writing and grammar skills to post their comments on the blog. It's a great teamwork experience for the students, and gives them something that they can be proud of for many years to come.