Oral Communication


A Podcast for every occasion!


How can you use oral communication to enter the 21st Century and support learners using differentiated instruction? The answer to both is podcasts! Podcasts are popular with young people, as a way to learn about content they are interested in while being able to multitask. Podcasts are like a revival of the radio, where people listen to talk shows, but they are online and can be listened to anywhere! With this popularity and ease of use, podcasts can be a great way to teach concepts in class.

You may be asking; how can I use podcasts in my lesson?
Ø  Students create a podcast to demonstrate learning, as part of a culminating assessment, and to share with the class as student teachers (Gray, 2017)

Ø  Recorded lectures by the teacher could be used as review/study guides, so students can learn at their own pace and to help students who missed classes catch up (Gray, 2017)

Ø  For differentiated instruction to support students who struggle with reading, have dyslexia, are visually impaired, etc. (Gray, 2017)

Ø  To give additional information on the content covered in class

Ø  Used as research as part of student’s assignments

Ø  Students as part of passion projects, can choose, or create podcasts, in areas they are interested in

What are the pros and cons of using Podcasts?
Pros
Cons
 §  Listen to anywhere (downloadable) (Gray,  2017)
 §  Flexible availability (24/7) (Gray, 2017)
 §  Incorporating podcasts in classrooms have shown positive results (Gray, 2017)
 §  Includes diverse voices/perspectives
 §  Many different content areas (students can find what they are interested in)
 §  Teachers and students can create podcasts to be curriculum specific
 §  Engaging, can listen to podcasts longer, as you can do other things while you are listening (i.e. on the bus ride home) (Gray, 2017)
 §  Recorded lectures as podcasts provide consistent lessons for future years (Gray, 2017)
 §  Benefits students with and without exceptionalities as part of universal design for learning and differentiated instruction
 §  With so many podcasts out there, it can be hard to find podcasts that suit your lessons
 §  With anyone having the ability to create podcasts it can be hard to ensure validity, credibility, and reliability of the shows
 §  With students having the ability to listen to any podcast on their platform of choice (ie Spotify) it is hard to ensure everything they listen to is appropriate
 §  If students know you are recording a lecture for the class, they may not pay attention to what you are teaching

Educational podcasts you can reference!
https://www.gettingsmart.com/2013/02/50-educational-podcasts-you-should-check-out/

Importance of Authentic Voice 
Leary (2017) discusses the importance of using multiple narratives so that the different voices help the learner understand the complexity and diversity of Indigenous people. She also argues that you need to use authentic voices, by hearing the stories of those who have had experiences and know about indigenous issues. (Leary, 2017). This discussion about authentic voice, and using multiple narratives demonstrates the importance of teaching Indigenous education. These concepts can also be applied to all teaching. By using podcasts students can hear multiple voices, and with careful selection, authentic ones as well. Students can listen to experts in their field discuss content areas, and pick subjects they are interested in. You may not always have the knowledge necessary to teach every area of interest for students, so this is a great way to supplement student’s education.

Sample Lesson Idea

Using the oral communication overall expectation (OC2: use speaking skills and strategies appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes (p. 9)) I would have students create a podcast as assessment for learning. I would give students feedback to improve and collect information to inform my future practice. I would have students in pairs create a podcast where they each argue, one from the side of the British and one from the side of the French, of who should control the new world (Canada). 
How could I make a podcast?  
1.     Planning – choose a topic, choose a name, decide if it will be alone or with a co-host, choose a format (length, style, episodes) (Winn, 2019)

2.     Preparation- create cover art, create an intro, choose intro music, get a microphone, decide if you will have guests (Winn, 2019)

3.     Record and Edit- create an episode template, then record and edit (Winn, 2019)

4.     Launch- get a podcast host (ex. Buzzsprout or iTunes), upload your episode, spread the word (promote through social media, or a website) (Winn, 2019)

Free Podcast recorders and editors

Resources

Gray, C. (2017). Podcasting in Education: What are the benefits? Retrieved on November 17, 2019, from https://www.thepodcasthost.com/niche-case-study/podcasting-in-education/

Leary, T. C. (2017). Teaching Indigenous Histories Through an Authentic Voice. Retrieved on November 17, 2019, from http://etfovoice.ca/feature/teaching-indigenous-histories-through-authentic-voice

Ontario Ministry of Education. (2006). The Ontario curriculum grades 1‐8: Language [Oral Communication]. (p. 9). Retrieved from http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/language18currb.pdf

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