Using Podcasts: Storytelling & Classroom Tools

Storytelling has always been crucial in passing down knowledge, messages, and communicating with other humans in general (check out this article on the history of storytelling here). It is something that we have always done, and there are many methods for passing a story down. Before stories were written down, they were shared orally, which is essentially what a podcast does- just in a much more updated way. Things like music, narratives that pull at your emotions, and the general sharing of other tales have always been apart of storytelling, and podcasts have taken these aspects and created a new way of sharing stories.  I found the layout of the 1619 Podcast to be quite interesting, but also a bit hard to follow. I don't like that I couldn't see who was talking, I found that I had to keep rewinding to figure out who the voices were and it took away from the overall content of the podcast. I ended up trying to listen again in the morning, and. I found it easier to follow along with as the world is much quieter in the morning. 

Sadly, it was not shocking to learn how our medical system has failed Black patients for centuries. I found that some of the issues presented still haven't changed much in present day. It is much harder for people in lower socio-economic statuses to have healthcare access. I have also heard and read about stories similar to Uncle Ed's, where healthcare doesn't seem to be present in the lives of many people who do not fail under the dominant narrative-and more specifically the black population. It is depressing to hear just how much the healthcare system has specifically failed the black population of the US, and it was disheartening to hear the stories that the podcasters shared with us over a series of decades-including present day. 

I wish that I could say that I am the kind of person who enjoys podcasts. I know they cover a lot of interesting topics and really take a deep dive into them, but I personally struggle with the listening aspect. I love the idea of using them in my classroom, especially after seeing some of the things Brittany has done with them during Summer Institute last year. But no matter how much I try, and like the idea of them, I just can't get into podcasts. I don't like that there are no visuals to follow along with, and I just can't seem to stay focused. I will also add that in class today I found the podcast format that Brendon, Jay, and Linda used to be very engaging. Perhaps it was because I could see who was talking and focus more.

Additionally, I think that podcasts can be a fantastic educational tool, especially for our emergent bilingual population. As someone who teaches English Language Development, it is important for me to incorporate as many opportunities to practice speaking as possible! It gives them the chance to record themselves practicing their speaking skills, and then listening back to what they say. I think that using a podcasting tool in your classroom does need to be explicitly taught to the students- as using a new technology platform can be confusing and can result in students getting lost, or focusing more on figuring out the platform basis rather than the assignment at hand. This year I am hoping to try out the podcasting platform that we will see presented in todays class, and I am grateful I will have another chance to learn about using this platform!