Podcasting

(1) Podcasting is the preparation and distribution of audio files using RSS to the computers of subscribed users. These files may then be uploaded to digital music or multimedia players. They can be easily created from a digital audio file. It would first be saved as an MP3 and then uploaded to the Web site of a service provider. The MP3 file gets its own URL. A podcast is an audio or a video file delivered automatically to your computer.
(2) I will use podcasting for many things, including professional development, keeping up with news and research, promoting events, and for teaching. I will use it in my classroom to share current events, for class lectures, and to share students' progress. I will accessand create podcasts that will help my students learn and understand things about the Spanish language and/or culture. These will be used in the classroom and some on my teacher web page. I will also have my students create podcasts to help them learn and understand things and to possibly give feedback on or ask questions about things they want to know more about or do not understand.
(3) The pros of podcasting include being able to share information with students that I as the teacher or they as the students would not otherwise have access to. Also, students will be able to reflect and/or create podcasts to help them understand and explore topics more. The cons of podcasting include possible false information in podcasts, owning and copyrighting podcasts that are made, and the lack of privacy to podcasts.