Journal # 2 NETS 3 & 5

Journal # 2

Maguth, B.M., & Elliott, J. (2010). Using Podcasts to Develop a Global Perspective. International Society for Technology in Education 37(5) og 1-2. Retrieved Febuarary 21, 2010, from http://www.iste.org/AMTemplate.cfm?Sections=February_No_5_4&Template/ =MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4495&ContentID=25244&DirectListCombolnd=D

This article has to do with developing a global perspective the the use of podcasts. At a high school in Columbus, Ohio, students who excel in math, science, technology and engineering, are creating podcasts and sending them out to others in hopes that they will learn about other cultures. This sending and sharing of podcasts has allowed these students to interact with other students from around the world and discuss global issues with people from different backgrounds and upbringings. First they must do extensive research and learn the background information before engaging in debated via podcasts. Some of the global issues he says they discuss are things such as terrorism, disease, famine, economic development and climate change. I agree with him that it is an educators responsibility to insure that students are informed and aware of global issues as well as local ones. This not only teaches collaboration techniques and tech savvy skills, but also teaches diversity and acceptance. I believe as Americans, we are only given the “Western View” of things. Only a person or people can define themselves accurately. The students do also get a look into a creative way to share ideas and language skills. Communicating with people let alone people from a different culture can be intimidating in person, but over the web, seems to be a little less stressful. 

Is creating podcasts easy enough for low income schools to incorporate into lesson plans?

I do not believe this would be easy for low income schools to use. Though most is done online, voice recording tools, cameras, and other technologies are not always readily available. What about the students in other countries? Will we only get to communicate with educated students that have access to these resources? What if we wished to discuss and issue with the uneducated population? I just can see this costing more than it is worth. If a plan was laid out and approved then possibly, but it is difficult to assess the individual needs of schools.

Is there a way to insure all podcasts are authentic and age appropriate?

I am concerned that this technique will open doors for false information or off limit information to reach unsuspecting ears. With most research and information now found on the web, there is ample opportunity for students to learn false information. I think i strict set of laws and access needs to be made on this such as this. Not only could students get false information, but they may click on something that says global warming and get a podcast that tells them how to grow marijuanna or click on a podcast about tribal clothing, and get to a porno. The interent is a dangerous things for students and I believe regulations are necessary to prevent things like this from happening before this can be implemented into schools and lesson plans for children under the age of 18.