Let's face it, no one likes to write book reports. At least I haven't met a student who does. It is a poor way of making sure students have read the book and even then that's not really accurate because most students can get on cliff notes or spark notes and write a book report from it without actually opening the book. It is surprising that so many students will confess to using the aforementioned sites to complete assignments on books. Not that the sites are bad resources, but that's beside the point.
I don't have any experience with podcasting and I didn't really have a grasp on what it was used for or how to use it. Robert Rozema sums it up in simple terms. Rozema defines a podcast as, "a blog in audio form." In The Book Report, Version 2.0: Podcasting on Young Adult Novels Rozema explores using podcasting in the classroom in replacement of the paper version of the book report. The podcasting doesn't completely eliminate the paper version of the book report but the final project ends up as a podcast.
I have fallen in love with his idea of using podcasting as a way for students to create book reports. Podcasting a book report really demonstrates if a student has read the book instead of relying on cliff notes and spark notes because students are encouraged to implement sound effects and be creative. They show that they understand the book by interpreting it through sound effects, point of view, and music; things that paper and text can't necessarily do as easily.
I'm so glad that I'm learning about how to use such technology as this now right before I go into student teaching next semester. I definitely plan on trying to work with my cooperating teacher to try out using podcasting and goodreads in the classroom. I'm sure that by the end of the semester I will have a ton of new tools to use before next semester. I just have to keep my fingers crossed that my cooperating teacher is open to trying new things.
Janet,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed Rozema's article. In fact, this week, you and a classmate will have the opportunity to produce a book podcast. (I learned from last semester that a week is not long enough...so you will have plenty of time.)
As always, look closely at my rubric. Think how you might change it or adapt it for high school students.
One of the worries I have is that the technology is always changing. I suggest you all use podomatic, but I had to check on Friday to be sure that the site was still free and in existence. Kajder mentioned G-cast, which didn't seem to be a good option.