Reflection 6/18/08 Emerging Tech--Podcasting

Today in Emerging Instructional Technology, we learned about Podcasting and Voice Thread. I'm glad that I was taught these items today.

• I plan on at least using Voice Thread on a regular bases in my classes next year. What it is?

A VoiceThread is an online media album that can hold essentially any type of media (images, documents and videos) and allows people to make comments in 5 different ways - using voice (with a microphone or telephone), text, audio file, or video (with a webcam) - and share them with anyone they wish. They can even be exported to an Archival Movie for offline use on a DVD or video-enabled MP3 player. A VoiceThread allows group conversations to be collected and shared in one place, from anywhere in the world. (http://voicethread.com/about/)
The one cool thing that I've noticed is that there are many artist that use this Voice Thread site to post a portfolio. The reason why they probably prefer this tool is the ability to do audio or text provides and easy way for them to discuss about the piece of art this are showing.
Here is a link to one that I thought was cool: Michelle's Art Portfolio
I really enjoy how students or anyone can leave comments on artwork. I'm thinking about having the advance students do a portfolio like this next year!

• What is Podcasting?

A podcast is a series of digital-media files which are distributed over the internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and computers. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast)
Basically, it's a tool to make audio/or video pieces that can be shared using the internet, mp3 players, and the computer. I'm not sure whether I'll use this in my classroom. Only because we are so short on time. We usually don't even get all the projects I want to get in by the end of the quarter/semester (high school is block and jr high is period). Therefore, I don't want to take away the short amount of time I do have with the students to focus on making a podcast that relates to art. Maybe if I add an art history class to the department, I could use this for the students to do reports, interviews, or to record simply what they think about a particular artist or piece. I'm glad that I know how to do this now, because I can help show other teachers what a great tool this is!!!