Blog Assignment 5

1. Eagle Nest Radio & Class Blog
Click here to enter the Eagles Nest

This Podcast was so cute. I really liked the music in the beginning. However, I wish they would have faded it out a little earlier because I couldn't understand the first few sentences with the music so loud. I like the music that they played throughout the podcast but wish it had been more intermittent. The constant music was a little bit distracting. I also noticed that you could REALLY tell which students had read and learned about what they were talking about while others simply read from a piece of paper. The ones who were enthusiastic about their topics were really entertaining to listen to.

2. The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom
Click for The Benefits
There were quite a few facts from this article that I found to be interesting and beneficial. I definitely agree that it is a great way to reach students outside of the classroom. I had never even thought about it as a way for children to stay up to speed if they are absent. What a good point! I also agree that it is a good way to bring creativity to the classroom. Podcast are a way core teachers (math, science, history, and english) can add creativity and technology to the learning curriculum without a big uproar from people afraid of change. It is also a good way to get students to interact with one another by teaming them up to do podcast projects. 

3. The Practical Principal 
Click here for some Practical Principals
I learned most about feed burners on The practical principal website. This website really helped me understand more about RSS feeds and how it all works. I had the general idea before, but I felt like this website really helped explain things to me that I didn't get before (things I felt like everyone else knew and completely understood.) Basically, it really just helped clear it up. The feedburner is a great tool and easy way for people to become more efficient with their tools. It is something I would use and suggest anyone with a feed use.

4. 100 Ways to Use your Ipod to Learn and Study Better
I really liked this site in general and it is definitely one I will go back and reference in the future. I really liked the Ipod Spanish to go. That is an application that would come in handy in everyday life these days. I really wanted to read the tutorial on how to upload a podcast to your ipod, but it kept sending me to a pop up ad for something. I tried clicking two other links and they did the same thing. :(

5. Education Podcasting Network Judy Scharf Podcast Collection

Judy Scharf probably had the most information regarding podcast. One new thing I learned is that "podcast" is "Ipod" mixed with "broadcast." I had never really thought about where the word "podcast" comes from. I thought her schedule for making podcast (17 periods. each period being 45 minutes long.) was a little extreme and droning. However, if you were teaching a young group how to make a podcast it may require this much time and instruction. I also enjoyed reading her tips to succeed.