Podcasting

=PODCASTING = __Description:__ One of our STEP workshops was on podcasting. The Podcasting we did was through an free online program called [|VoiceThread]. VoiceThreads are a way to but images onto the internet with comments associated with them. It can be a single image or a slideshow of images. The comments can be in many formats including; voice, text, drawing, and video. The really neat thing is that not only can the creator of the VoiceThread add comments but any visitor or viewer of the VoiceThread can also leave comments about the images. To learn more about VoiceThreads [|click here]. It took me longer to figure out how I was going to use VoiceThread in my teaching. My students are not yet able to talk, type or even really to draw so it was going to be hard to have their input. After some brainstorming my team and I thought it might be cool to have a online parent training module since our program includes parent education and coaching. This way parents could go online whenever they wanted more support on how to work with their child at home. The following is my VoiceThread discussing the "Knock Box" an activity we leave at each child's home for their parent to do with them. Some of my coworkers added extra advice and ideas by putting comments on the VoiceThread.
 * Creating a Parent Training Podcast**

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__Reflection:__ I think that the VoiceThread worked fairly well but had some limitations. One it was hard to be sure the parents actually went to the site and checked it because none left a comment. Also the feedback I got from one parent was that it was not enough information (we only discussed three toys and there are many more in the box) and another parent felt it was too much information. I think in the future the way to solve this is to have many VoiceThreads. One VoiceThread for basic usage (directions for the adult and expectation of the child's behavior) and separate VoiceThreads for each toy that gives ideas for how to use it. In this way the parents could get as much or as little direction as they feel comfortable with. I do think the online modules fits many of my parents' lifestyles and is an easier way for them to get information because they do not have to feel self conscience asking me things more asking me questions that they may feel are silly. I hope to expand this project next year.

__Maryland Technology Literacy Standards For Students:__ Pre-K Skills- Standard 3.0 - Technology for Learning and Collaboration C. Increase Productivity 1.Explore and use technology to increase productivity a) Use appropriate technology tools to support learning goals Standard 4.0 - Technology for Communication and Expression A. Communication 1. Explore how technology is used for communication a) Recognize that technology helps with communication at home b) Recognize that technology helps with communication at school


 * the standards do not directly apply for this project because part of my job is parent education and this particular project is geared for the parents to learn from in order to support their child rather than for the child to be involved in directly.