Podcasts-Playable On Demand

I love listening to the radio on my way to work.  I love the distinctive voices and the commentary between the hosts on the show.  Recently, I have been downloading and listening to Podcasts from my computer--only makes me want to buy an i Phone even more!  If I feel I have a few minutes within my busy day, I listen to some of my favorites.  I love the idea of being able to share your thoughts and ideas on certain topics through your voice.  While I feel I do not have a good "recorded" voice, I feel that is an important aspect to a Podcast.  Since there are no graphics to match the audio (unlike television) having a "great" voice is important when creating a Podcast.  You have to draw your audience in though your voice and your material.  I use Audacity all the time in my classroom to record students reading.  They love to hear themselves or other students read books to them. It is also a great tool for having students listen to their own reading and practicing their fluency.  Many of them change their voices for different characters and love adding expression to the story.  I love the idea of creating a classroom Podcast.  Students could read their journals or share their advice on a particular topic, or even talk about what we are learning in class!  It could become a great computer station where students could listen or record to the Podcast!