What to Choose/What to Use

In my tech for educators class, we've been asked to investigate some forms of tech that we don't currently use and/or know much about, and determine their usefulness in our classrooms. I have to be honest; we have a ton of "toys" available to us at my school, and we've been enhancing our programs with their use for a long time. I haven't, however, utilized podcasts or skype in my classroom or in my lessons.

I spent a bit of time yesterday talking with one of our tech ed teachers at school, as she is both knowledgeable and approachable, and she will also help teachers and students in any way possible. I asked her about podcasts and skype, and how I might use them effectively in my high school English classes. We brainstormed a bit, and I have decided to try both in the coming school year.

Students enjoy creative writing, but they are often shy about sharing. They also don't always have a keen sense of audience when writing or sharing. I think podcasts might be a fun and useful way to get them to not only consider audience, but also be more willing to share their own work, as the audience is, effectively, anonymous. Skype could be valuable as a way to connect some of my author friends with my students, in a cost effective and immediate way. Working with published authors, and hearing them read/speak about their work and the writing life, is always such a good way to engage students. Too often we are limited in our contact due to budget constraints, time, and distance. Skype would be a great way to connect everyone in a fairly relaxed way, and would bring literature and writing to another level for the students.

This could be very exciting, and has few obstacles that I can see, other than getting our IT guy to let me download skype to the classroom computer. That may take some doing, but who knows...I can be pretty convincing, especially since it will save money...ah, budgets. What a weapon to use in all negotiations...