Reflections of First Day of Technology Training

I see the real benefit of using podcasting in the classroom in the creation of podcasts. I have serious misgivings as to the viability of using podcasts as a way to record lessons, especially if originally given in the “traditional” method of direct teach. Once the novelty of using an iPod has faded; once the student realizes that there are no games to play or music to which to listen, only the most motivated of students will use the podcasting as a useful tool for learning. Active as opposed to passive participation is the key to successful instruction with podcasting.
Active participation in the creation of podcasts opens a whole new can of worms for teachers who have yet to establish good classroom management skills or for teachers who cannot tolerate ‘busy” noise.
I have observed few teachers who can handle the non-traditional classroom seamlessly and/or willingly. The huge majority of the teachers that I have observed are of either of the two camps: uncomfortable with noise or lacking management skills.
I saw a great podcast: Shift Happens . Check it out