Learning Through Podcasts

                                                 Podcasts: Audio Learning at its Finest! 

By Nicole Hope Garcia-Gonzalez & Dee Anna Gray

        Podcasts are a popular source of news, entertainment, and culture, as well as innovative journalism and storytelling. They're also an excellent teaching aid. Students can gain on-the-go insight into current events or intriguing stories by listening to podcasts, which can augment and extend classroom learning. Making podcasts may help students organize and communicate, while also teaching them recording, editing, and publishing techniques. This list includes some fantastic podcasts that will inspire students, as well as recording, editing, and sharing resources to enable them create their own episodes.

Soundcloud: 

https://soundcloud.com/ 

       SoundCloud is a fantastic platform for sharing audio material and discovering new musicians. SoundCloud, on the other hand, is the go-to spot for audio on the web for anyone interested in posting their own work (or hearing other people's work). SoundCloud, like YouTube, is a wonderful educational tool as well as a creative outlet for teenagers, albeit it isn't perfect for either. The categories in the search tool might be broadened and fine-tuned to assist consumers find exactly what they're looking for. SoundCloud is a great place to share audio files. Its most appealing feature may be the breadth of its content, as well as the inspiration it can provide users. SoundCloud, at its best, allows users to start a conversation with other audiophiles.

Audioboom:  

https://audioboom.com/ 

          It's a perfect podcast hub for instructors and students because it allows them to access ready-made content, as well as create their own. While AudioBoom is a terrific method to discover educational content, it isn't designed exclusively for education, which is a good thing for podcasts with a wide range of topics. AudioBoom has a wide range of applications, from generating playlists to sharing learning resources with a whole class. This software also assists with marketing and monetization for individuals interested in going deeper into podcast development - something to keep in mind for those media education classes.

Podbean: 

https://www.podbean.com/     

Podcasts are an excellent approach to learn new information in a passive manner. Students can listen on their own, allowing for more active learning in the classroom. This can include answering questions, participating in group discussions, and building things with others.

In the end, my partner and I chose Podbean to complete our assignment over podcasts. We researched some library lore topics and became intrigued by “slow fire”. The term "slow fire" is used in library and information science to characterize the embrittlement of paper caused by acid degradation. Slow Fires: On the Preservation of the Human Record, a 1987 film by Terry Sanders, inspired the name. Use of acid-free paper stocks, microfilming, photocopying, or digitizing, and a range of deacidification processes are some of the solutions to this problem.

‘ Slow fire’ : The Little-Known ‘Slow Fire’ That’s Destroying All Our Books. https://lithub.com/the-little-known-slow-fire-thats-destroying-all-our-books/ 

Script: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14XflWnT6syNy6liMy47Z0B7hIsmmPyLuRDwtRf_SUig/edit?usp=sharing

Podcast Link: https://deegrays.podbean.com/e/the-slow-fire-in-the-library/ 

       While exploring podcasts, we found a few educational podcasts!

• The Past & The Curious

“Reminiscent of the TV show Drunk History (minus the alcohol), this amusing podcast features people telling interesting, little-known stories from history with an emphasis on fun and humor. Although it's not specifically a music podcast, each episode contains an often-silly song that's sure to get stuck in your head. There's even a quiz segment, so kids will learn something, too. Best for: All ages”.

• The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel

“This Peabody Award-winning scripted mystery series has been called a Stranger Things for tweens. With a voice cast of actual middle schoolers, a gripping, suspenseful plot, and interactive tie-ins, this story about an 11-year-old searching for his missing friends will keep tweens hooked to the speakers for hours -- more than five, to be exact. Best for: Tweens”.

• Brains On

“Similar to But Why, this is another radio show/podcast that takes kid-submitted science questions and answers them with the help of experts. What makes this one different is it tends to skew a bit older, both in its questions and answers, and it has a different kid co-host each week. The result is a fun show that's as silly as it is educational. Best for: Kids and tweens”. 

• Flyest Fables 

“In the tradition of The NeverEnding Story, this original fable centers on a magical book that takes its readers to a world where they find the strength to overcome any obstacle. The writing itself is beautiful, and the stories are immersive. Themes can be serious (bullying, homelessness) but are handled with sensitivity and remain appropriate for kids. These powerful, modern stories are sure to entertain and provoke meaningful family conversations. Best for: Big kids and tweens”. 

• This American Life

“This popular NPR radio show is now also the most downloaded podcast in the country. It combines personal stories, journalism, and even stand-up comedy for an enthralling hour of content. Host Ira Glass does a masterful job of drawing in listeners and weaving together several "acts" or segments on a big, relatable theme. Teens can get easily hooked along with their parents, but keep in mind that many episodes have mature concepts and frequent swearing. Best for: Teens”.

• Stuff You Should Know

“From the people behind the award-winning website HowStuffWorks, this frequently updated podcast explains the ins and outs of everyday things from the major ("How Free Speech Works")  to the mundane ("How Itching Works"). Longer episodes and occasional adult topics such as alcohol, war, and politics make this a better choice for older listeners, but hosts Josh and Chuck keep things engaging and manage to make even complex topics relatable. And with over 1,000 episodes in its archive, you might never run out of new things to learn. Best for: Teens”. 

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/the-best-podcasts-for-kids 

       As well, check this link out https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/pod/ . It will take you to a site called ‘The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast”. There are tons of podcasts to explore and listen to!  Jennifer Gonzalez (the host) sits down and interviews with educators, students, administrators, and parents about the academic and social issues of our educational system.  

Sources: 

https://lithub.com/the-little-known-slow-fire-thats-destroying-all-our-books/ 

https://www.co mmonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/soundcloud#:~:text=SoundCloud%20is%20a%20good%20platform,with%20other%20like%2Dminded%20audiophiles.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/the-best-podcasts-for-kids

https://www.podcast.co/reach/podcasts-in-education

https://www.commonsense.org/education/top-picks/best-podcast-apps-and-websites-for-students 

https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/what-is-audioboom-best-tips-and-tricks