This article describes an interesting activity offered by NASA Education, which allows students to build their own podcast about different space-related topics, e.g. space suits or Newton's laws. The website offers information on the topics in different media formats, such as printed text, video or audio clips, and links to photo galleries, and teaches students how to use this information to create their own podcast as well as share it through an RSS feed. Students will become engaged in learning through this hands on approach in which they use their own camcorder or computer to record their own narration and integrate the material that the NASA website provides: www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/diypodcast/index.html.
This is a wonderful example for NETS-S standard 1 a. apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes, as well as 1 b. create original works as a means of personal or group expression. It also applies to 3 a. plan strategies to guide inquiry, and 3 b. locate, organize, analyze, synthesize ...information from a variety of sources and media. Also standards 6 a. understand and use technology systems, and 6 b. select and use applications effectively and productively, come into play here.
The number of performance indicators addressed in this article shows already what a great idea is presented here. I love the approach to offer a selection of information in a safe environment, presented in a multitude of different media. Space related topics are very interesting for a large group of students. The program encourages the students to engage, combine knowledge from different content areas, such as science, technology, engineering, and math, and has them apply their knowledge in a creative way that also fosters language use, something that may often get lost in our technology driven school world. The program is supposedly useful for students of all ages, which should also allow inclusion of special learners: They have a variety of media available and can select personal preferences. This is a program that I will keep in mind for future years, it just seems to be a really great idea. Oh ja, and it contains a blog to keep students updated on NASA projects. Cool.
Hardin, K. (2009). DIY Space exploration. Leading and Learning with Technology 36(7), 31.
Wow! This idea is awesome in so many ways! I love how the students were able to create their own podcasts and use an RSS feed. I believe that students would be thrilled to participate in these activities and would learn way more than they would with traditional instruction. I also liked how you mentioned that the activities in this program encouraged the integration of multiple subjects. This program seems like a great way for students to understand and apply their knowledge authentically and practically.
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