PROJECT OUTLINE

This is an ambitious project that explores how podcasting can be used as a learning tool. The creation of podcasts involves students and teachers in the UK, France, Spain and Italy learning how to record and mix sound files. The first podcast supported the UK history curriculum and served as a record of the experiences of local, older residents during the 1940’s. The students are the creators in this project; they are generating ideas and looking to ways to be innovative.

USE OF ICT WITHIN THE PROJECT

The sound files are linked to an RSS feed to ensure all participants are updated almost at the instance of upload of a new podcast. To help all taking part a podcasting tutorial has been written that uses a virtual learning environment (Moodle) as a delivery method. http://andeducation.co.uk/moodle/

A Google Earth tagged file has tuned podcasts in an environmental exploration. http://perso.orange.fr/f-gr/index.htm Audio files and images are linked to locations.

A blog has supported the work and a very active dialogue has developed between the students. http://www.andeducation.co.uk/blog/

To enhance the partnership and links between students we have taken part in video conferences using Flash Meeting and the chats using the facility in Moodle.

RESULTS AND BENEFITS

The first podcast supported the UK history curriculum and served as a record of the experiences of local, older residents during the 1940’s. As a result of our initial podcast, local people sent stories to be turned into podcasts. This started as a school linking project but has started to involve the local community. The students were interviewed about the project by the Guardian newspaper. The result appeared in the Guardian global classroom supplement.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID

“The project has embraced collaborative technologies to not only develop the international dimension but also develop a more student-centered approach to teaching and learning. The range of technologies to explore topical issues is very powerful”