Podcasting

I like some podcasting, but others, good grief - true amateur. A well made podcast is enjoyable to listen to.

I think podcasts are something that might be useful in a classroom and plan on trying to do some. I need more time to experiment myself. Grades are due and that is taking me time, but things will quiet down some and should be easier to play around.

I think it would be great to create some podcasts of certain tasks - like using a scroll saw. Students could make a podcast that demonstrates safe usage, and other students can use it to review and learn.

Presentation Tools

I like powerpoint. Always have, always will. I like using it as a presentation tool when teaching my classes. I will often times create small presentations that illustrate what I am presenting to the class. An example - talking about types of wall construction for a house - I create a presentation that has 6 examples of typical wall construction methods used in this area of the country. I can show each method and include notes and details that I can have appear while doing the presentation.

I believe students enjoy the use of technology like this more than just using a book or overhead projector, although the projector is still a great tool that I use almost daily. I also have students create some presentations and present information to the class. I model ahead of time what and how I desire the presentation to look like. I make sure to include slides that have easy to read information, interesting design and not just bullets and pictures. I also model how to stand, eye contact and voice control.