Journal 2: Using Podcasts to Develope a Global Perspective - NETS V

Technology is bringing our world closer together and making us more aware of what goes on outside of our own country. Global issues have been; terrorism, economic development, disease, famine, natural disasters, and nuclear proliferation. As educators we are responsible for making our students aware of the global challenges that face us and showing them how to respectfully respond to cultural diversity. One high school in Columbus, Ohio used podcasts to help the students gain a larger world view and appreciate culturally diverse perspectives.
Podcasting is not an easy task and requires a lot of time, research, and analysis. The students from the school in Ohio were given the task of creating a debate on a global issue in which people holding different views could exchange their ideas. It began with in depth research on the chosen topic and how different countries and specific world leaders would respond. Before putting together a podcast the students had to analyze how viewers would respond so they could be ready to give an answer at any moment. This forces students to take a different perspective on a topic in a non threatening way. Video recording and editing was the last stage in putting the podcast together. Once posting it to the Internet, the students understood that their work and research could reach many people. This helped them work thoroughly by making sure they were accurate and there weren’t many editing mistakes.
Would all high schools be able to benefit from podcasting?
Podcasting is a resourceful tool, but it may not be feasible for all high schools. It requires technology such as computers, internet, cameras, and video editing programs that may not may be accessible to all students. There are many low income schools around the US that do not have the income to provide all of that to the students. Creating a well thought out podcast requires analytical skills and an ability to find research through a variety of different avenues, avenues that not all students may know how to use. The younger generation may be more apt to find the information that they need as technology has slowly shaped and changed the way we find answers to our questions on even the most basic question. One thing to note is that even if a school doesn’t have the ability to podcast, most do have the ability to view what other students have done. Students may not create a podcast, but they can respond to one and class discussions can be based off posted discussions.
Are there any downsides to podcasting?
Podcasting has a great number of advantages. It empowers students, gets them interested in global issues, teaches them to respect others and their opinions and views, teaches them new computer skills and allows them to work in a group setting. Just as there can be the trouble with the internet, almost anyone can post information up - whether it is true or not, podcasting has the potential to project incorrect information if incorrect information was gathered while doing research. It is important that reliable sources and databases be used for gathering information.

Maguth, B. M., & Elliot, J. (2010). Using Podcasts to develop a global perspective. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(5), Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/201002#pg1