21 things every teacher should try:
Listen to education themed podcasts
Reading Time: 3 minutes
If, like me, you spend an awful lot of time commuting to work, you may consider filling some of that time listening to some education related podcasts.
What is a podcast
A podcast is like a radio show however, instead of being broadcast live, a podcast is pre-recorded and then distributed over the internet or to a mobile device allowing you to listen to them when and where you please.
Education podcasts
A quick web search will lead you to a plethora of education related podcasts. It is through listening to education podcasts that I’ve been introduced to wonderful concepts such as classroom flipping, gamification and genius hour.
How to listen to education podcasts
To listen to a podcast, all you need is a device capable of playing audio files. Podcasts can be either played online (through a browser) or downloaded to your PC, tablet or phone. Their portable nature means that you can listen to a podcast pretty much any time / anywhere (but, obviously, only when it is safe to do so – see obeying the law!). Listen to them during your break, whilst at the gym, on your commute home or sitting by the pool - not that I’m, in any way, suggesting that you work during your holiday!
What is a podcast
A podcast is like a radio show however, instead of being broadcast live, a podcast is pre-recorded and then distributed over the internet or to a mobile device allowing you to listen to them when and where you please.
Education podcasts
A quick web search will lead you to a plethora of education related podcasts. It is through listening to education podcasts that I’ve been introduced to wonderful concepts such as classroom flipping, gamification and genius hour.
How to listen to education podcasts
To listen to a podcast, all you need is a device capable of playing audio files. Podcasts can be either played online (through a browser) or downloaded to your PC, tablet or phone. Their portable nature means that you can listen to a podcast pretty much any time / anywhere (but, obviously, only when it is safe to do so – see obeying the law!). Listen to them during your break, whilst at the gym, on your commute home or sitting by the pool - not that I’m, in any way, suggesting that you work during your holiday!
Listening to podcasts whilst driving
With modern cars becoming more connected, it's becoming ever easier to listen to podcasts via your bluetooth enabled phone or device. If you're planning to listen to your podcasts whilst driving, however, I recommend heading the following advice:
Obey the law whilst driving!
As of 1 March 2017, new UK laws carry a penalty of six points and a £200 fine for being caught using a mobile phone whilst driving. Under new laws you are allowed to use a phone if it is fully hands free – although you’re not allowed to pick it up or operate it manually (see new laws here). Most new cars have Bluetooth allowing you to connect your phone wirelessly. There are also several Bluetooth adapters available that will plug into an existing aux socket. There are also a number of apps that are designed to connect with your Bluetooth enabled vehicle such as Android Auto. If listening to a podcast on your phone whilst driving, it is advised that you configure and launch your podcast before you start your journey and place your mobile device out of arms way e.g. in your glove compartment so that you are not tempted to operate your device manually whilst driving. Many driving organisations, such as the RAC, also recommend placing your phone in silent mode so as not to be distracted by calls or notifications.
Alternatively, if you don’t have access to a Bluetooth enabled device, you can download your podcasts to your PC and burn them to a CD using tools such as iTunes.
Final thoughts
Whichever path you choose, listening to educational related podcasts can be a rewarding experience. Not only can they open your mind to new ways of learning, they can also re-ignite your passion for teaching. Go on – what are you waiting for?
Links
Here's a list of resources to get you started:
With modern cars becoming more connected, it's becoming ever easier to listen to podcasts via your bluetooth enabled phone or device. If you're planning to listen to your podcasts whilst driving, however, I recommend heading the following advice:
Obey the law whilst driving!
As of 1 March 2017, new UK laws carry a penalty of six points and a £200 fine for being caught using a mobile phone whilst driving. Under new laws you are allowed to use a phone if it is fully hands free – although you’re not allowed to pick it up or operate it manually (see new laws here). Most new cars have Bluetooth allowing you to connect your phone wirelessly. There are also several Bluetooth adapters available that will plug into an existing aux socket. There are also a number of apps that are designed to connect with your Bluetooth enabled vehicle such as Android Auto. If listening to a podcast on your phone whilst driving, it is advised that you configure and launch your podcast before you start your journey and place your mobile device out of arms way e.g. in your glove compartment so that you are not tempted to operate your device manually whilst driving. Many driving organisations, such as the RAC, also recommend placing your phone in silent mode so as not to be distracted by calls or notifications.
Alternatively, if you don’t have access to a Bluetooth enabled device, you can download your podcasts to your PC and burn them to a CD using tools such as iTunes.
Final thoughts
Whichever path you choose, listening to educational related podcasts can be a rewarding experience. Not only can they open your mind to new ways of learning, they can also re-ignite your passion for teaching. Go on – what are you waiting for?
Links
Here's a list of resources to get you started:
- https://www.edutopia.org/blog/best-education-podcasts-betty-ray - List of educational podcasts
- https://www.teachthought.com/technology/51-education-podcasts-for-the-21st-century-teacher/ - 51 education podcasts for the 21 century teacher.
- http://googleteachertribe.com/ - The Google Teacher Tribe podcast with Matt Miller and Kasey Bell. (Weekly podcast designed to give teachers practical ideas for using G Suite and other Google tools that you can use in the classroom).
