Podcasts have become a beloved form of entertainment and a valuable tool for learning and personal growth. I am passionate about podcasts; I find myself listening to them more often than music. With thousands of podcasts being produced every day, it’s likely that you might have listened to at least one podcast in the past month. It is becoming increasingly common for students to aspire to have careers in digital media and content creation, such as an influencer or streamer, rather than traditional professions such as lawyer, doctor, or teacher. With the growing popularity of podcasts and other digital media platforms, it is not surprising that many students are drawn to these types of careers. In this post, we will focus on the integration of audio production in the classroom. In future posts, we will also explore the use of video in the classroom.

Audio Production

Audio Productions are a powerful project tool teachers can use to engage and motivate students in the classroom. Whether you’re teaching language arts, social studies, or science, audio productions are a great way to bring your curriculum to life and help students develop important 21st century skills. Audio production projects are simply a project that students complete by making an audio recording.

Podcasting

One of the more popular ways to use audio productions is through podcasting. A podcast is a digital audio or video file available on the internet for download and streaming. Podcasts are typically created by individuals or groups and can be about any topic, ranging from news and politics to hobbies and interests. They can be listened to on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. Many podcasts are free to download and listen to, and new episodes are typically released on a regular schedule.

Benefits

One of the main benefits of incorporating audio production is that it allows students to express themselves and showcase their knowledge in a creative, unique, and engaging way. Audio production also allows students to develop important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. We know that these skills are essential for success in school and in the workforce. Audio production supplies an excellent opportunity to practice and improve those skills.

Another benefit of audio production is that students can explore and learn about a wide range of topics in a fun and engaging way. For example, by listening to and creating podcasts, students can learn about new cultures, perspectives, and ideas. Those ideas help to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Audio production can also be a great way to promote student collaboration and teamwork. Asking students to collaborate to create an audio production, students are likely to strengthen their ability to communicate effectively, share ideas, and work towards a common goal. This process can be especially beneficial for students who often struggle during traditional classroom activities.

Finally, audio productions can be an excellent tool for assessment. By having students demonstrate their knowledge by creating an audio production, teachers can gauge how well students have learned the material and tailor their next lesson based on what areas need more work.

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Lesson Plan Ideas

I can’t just leave you with why Podcasts and audio productions are great tools to use in the classroom, so here are a few ideas on how you can get started using audio productions in your classroom.

• Introduction to audio recording: Students learn about the basics of audio recording, including microphone types and placement, recording software, and editing techniques. They also practice using these tools by recording their own audio samples.
• Podcasting 101: Students learn about the history and format of podcasts, then create their own podcast episode on a topic of their choice. Throughout the lesson, they learn about scripting, recording, and editing techniques, hosting, and distribution options.
• Sound effects and foley: Students learn about the art of creating sound effects and foley for film and video. Students will experiment with different objects and techniques to create sound effects and incorporate them into a short film or video project.
• Music production: Students learn about the basics of music production, including sequencing, mixing, and mastering.  Digital audio workstations (DAWs) can be used to create their own original music compositions.
• Storytelling: Students learn about the art of audio storytelling and create their own short audio dramas or documentaries. They learn about scriptwriting, character development, and sound design techniques.
• Audio for video production: Students learn about the role of audio in video production, including sound design, dialogue editing, and mixing. They practice editing audio for a short film or video project.
• Language Learning: Students use podcasts to improve their listening and speaking skills in a foreign language. They learn how to look for and subscribe to podcasts in the target language, take notes and summarize the episodes, and use the language they listen to in real-life situations.
• Research and Critical Thinking: Students use podcasts as a research tool to investigate a current event, social issues or historical events, they learn how to take notes, analyze and evaluate the information they listen to and how to present their findings.
• Oral Presentation: Students learn how to use podcasting to develop their oral presentation skills, to prepare a script, use appropriate tone, body language and use of visual aids to enhance their message.
• Audio and digital citizenship: Students learn about the responsible use of technology and digital media, including the importance of online privacy, copyright, and digital rights management. They also learn about the ethical considerations of podcasting and the importance of fact-checking and source verification.

In conclusion, audio production is a versatile and effective tool for teachers to use in the classroom. It allows students to express themselves creatively, develop important skills, explore new topics, and collaborate with their peers. By incorporating audio production into your curriculum, you can help your students become more engaged, motivated and successful learners.

One More Thing

As we wrap up this post, I wanted to let you know that we’re currently working on a Podcasting 101 Unit that will be versatile in delivery and provide the basic knowledge needed to create a Podcast with your students. It will cover the technical aspects of Podcasting and can also be used for Audio Production. Keep an eye out for it, coming by the end of this year!

Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below on how you use audio production in your classroom!