Week 7 - Audio Podcasts

http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/default.aspx

The title of this podcast site is Grammar Girl:  Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing.  It includes grammar topics such as capitalization, punctuation, verb tenses, homophones, abbreviations, active vs. passive voice, and writing for your audience.  It was interesting to listen to the explanation for the various areas, although it would have been better to have a visual aid as well.  It does explain the grammar topics in plain English, however.  It seemed to me to be easy to understand.  The only drawback to this podcast is that after the introduction, a short advertisment is inserted by the host so it does detract from the topic.  This ad is again put in at the end of the session. 

In regards to Chapter 14, the entire plan of HPI/HPT is the foundation of education.  As a teacher, I have implemented the model on pg. 141 in all its parts.  I set goals for my students, and I have a desired performance that I would like to draw out of my students.  There are many reasons why students don't succeed, which are listed in the third part of the table.  When I see these reasons, or causes, for the students' lack of success, I have to intervene with something that will change the negative outcome to a positive one.  Hopefully, after implementing these changes to my teaching methods and addressing the different learning styles of my students, their final evaluations will show that the material is relevant and useful and therefore be successful. This final evaluation will show that they have the necessary background to be more productive in future courses of study or in their workplace.

I unknownly implemented these principles when I decided to go back to school.  I wanted to take classes that would be relevant for me in the classroom.  I needed the right kind of instruction to have the success that I need to bring back with me when I return to teaching.  I didn't want to take a class just to take a class for the credits.  In return, this will bring success to my professional career.  The school system where I will be teaching is going to greatly benefit from these class choices, thus making my "workforce performance" relevant and productive.

I see podcasting as a new tool that I am interested in using.  Students can view podcasts to help them learn and reinforce what they have learned.  I like the idea of having them download to their iPods or netbooks (if they have them) museum tour guides.  Also, foreign language guides is something they can use for practice away from the classroom.  Of course, the technology would have to be available to all students before you could require them to listen to these podcasts.  As enrichment activities, however, I do like the idea of these audio podcast.