Podcasts can be a very influential method for communicating ideas within an elementary classroom. A teacher can use well done podcasts to support lesson content, complete class work independently through instructor lead podcasts, provide ESL students with extra support (by which they can pause and rewind), as well student-lead podcasts where students create and produce their own (Thacker, 2007). Podcasts are becoming a technological medium that young learners are beginning to expect in classrooms.  They can enjoy the freedom to create a podcast in which they can claim ownership. They can also be a great way to connect and collaborate with classrooms around the world.  The classroom in Alaska no longer has to be a stagnant, isolated location, dependent on local culture and ideas.  It can send and receive ideas, stories, opinions, and other information by activities in which students create podcasts. Teachers can introduce their classrooms to a global audience with minimal technology, and help their students produce an impressive array of downloadable educational material (Smart, 2008).  Podcasts can be a great way for students to interact and be heard, and they can also be great ways for students to learn.  I see many benefits to their usage and will likely use them as a resource when I take over my own classroom.

References:

Smart, M.P. (2008) Listening to Themselves: Podcasting Takes Lessons Beyond the Classroom. 

Retrieved from: http://www.edutopia.org/podcasting-student-broadcasts

Thacker, C. (2007) Podcasts in Education. Retrieved from: http://www.macinstruct.com/node/43

A couple ideas for supplemental material podcasts:

Dragonfly TV is a podcast supported by PBS KIDS GO!  It highlights kids making investigations and covering science topics.

Ask an Astronomer: Real NASA astronomers answer questions about the exciting science of astronomy