Podcasting in the Classroom

Image from mashable.com

     Math is a difficult subject to teach.  It is also a difficult subject for students to get interested in, since most of the time, they hate it.  Especially by the time they get to high school.  I always thought that it is a better idea to show students how a problem is done, to walk them through the process, than it is to stand up and try to lecture them about a topic.  This is one reason why I never truly considered using a podcast for my future math students.
     However, there are several ways it is possible to use a podcast.  It is a series, and students can subscribe so they automatically receive any new posts that you put online.  This is always a plus.  Maybe if they receive it automatically, they are more likely to look into, than if I tell them to look it up.
     What about for those students who are falling behind or struggling?  How can podcasts help them?  Even as a math teacher, it is possible to find different ways to present a concept.  So as a math teacher, maybe for students struggling you can post a podcast series that will help them to better grasp a certain topic, or even explain a concept in a different way, from a different perspective.
    Then there are students who on average, understand what is going on in the classroom.  They do their homework with some trouble, but are making average grades.  How can a podcast series help them?  Maybe, the reason they are making average grades, is because math is not an interesting subject for them.  Finding a way to make it more interesting may help to boost their motivation.  A podcast series that helps students to dig deeper into a concept in math, or even to see how it applies to their lives, would be one way to accomplish this.
    Lastly, how can we reach those students who are acing their math class?  One way to do this is by presenting a podcast series that will challenge them.  Or maybe just one that will help them to become more interested in math.  Again, seeing how it applies to their lives outside of school.   Even for the smart kids, we need to strive to make math an interesting topic, in the hopes that they will retain their math knowledge, and maybe even study it later.
     Titus 2:7-8 says, "In everything, set them an example by doing what is good.  In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."  (NIV version)  As teachers, it is important to set good examples for our students.  This includes the use of technology in our classroom.  What we do with technology in our classroom, and what we say about it will stick in the students mind.  We want them to use technology as a tool, but not to abuse it.  Using it with integrity is another thing we should focus on.  Again, our classroom example will stick with them.  The kinds of rules we make should encourage them to cite their sources, to stay on sights that are clean, and to be careful with how much time they spend using technology.  Even though we cannot always say how they use technology at home, we can set a good example for them in the classroom.