Journal 2: Using Podcasts to Develop a Global Perspective, NETS V

Maguth, B.M., & Elliott, J. (2009). Using Podcasts to develop a global perspective. International society for technology and education, 37(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=February_No_5_4&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4495&ContentID=25244&DirectListComboInd=D
A science, technology, engineering, and math high school in Columbus Ohio developed a podcast in order to research and deepen their understanding of global warming from a global perspective. The article follows the progress of this class activity as the students conduct research of individuals and the indiduals'opinions to the degree of "getting in character" and performing a debate in a "Meet the Press" style. The students wrote their scripts based on the characters and the beliefs that were collected as a result of research. The students were responsible for recording the debates using the software the students also showcased their piece on the internet.
The article explains that educators are responsible for making students aware of challenges the global community faces and to teach about the culturally diverse populations which exist.

1.This is a great idea! How much time do we give students to put this together? I would have this be a supplement to a unit plan. This would take some time to do, however a semester long should be sufficient.
2.What about the students who are less likely to want to put themselves "out there" on the internet? Or maybe even parents who are reluctant to the idea? Well, as a teacher I would of course be persuasive with the importance of the subject matter, in this case, global issues, and reiterate the importance and value of understanding these issues that plague or enrich our world. Of course I may have parents who utterly disagree and then I will let them know that there will be sufficient opportunity for their student to participate in the research, planning, recording, or editing opportunity.