Category Archives: Podcasting

Skype Visit with an Author

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My students thoroughly enjoyed a recent Skype visit with author, Lisa Graff.  Her novel, Umbrella Summer, is nominated for the Texas Bluebonnet Award and students across Texas will vote for their favorite book in January 2011.  I used music from Creative Commons and posted the video on Schooltube.  The experience was extremely well-received, so I plan to utilize Skype again with other authors or special contacts.

Skype Tips:  Be sure to prepare questions ahead of time, so students will be ready for the Skype session.  Test the Skype connection before students arrive, to avoid technical problems.  (Actually, we crashed because I forgot to unplug my document camera and plug in my webcam!  After rebooting the computer, it worked perfectly.) Ask permission before taking pictures or video.  Thank the participating author or individual for taking time to communicate with students.

Podcasting

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I am looking forward to experimenting with podcasting in my school library.  Students might use podcasting for oral reports, book talks, or sharing personal stories or poems.  Podcasts will be launched through our reading and writing club. Electronic format is providing opportunities for students to create and share, collaborate and publish.  On the one hand, I am excited about learning these new tools.  On the other hand, we hear every day about online security and keeping our students names and faces off the Internet.  It is a confusing time, but then maybe all times have been confusing.