Podcasting and Vodcasting

My definition of podcasting is an audio file that can be downloaded and listened to by different people through the web. I think the difference between podcasting and vodcasting is that podcasting involves audio files while vodcasting incorporates images or videos. In my math classes I feel that podcasting would not be as beneficial as vodcasting. Many of the concepts taught in math would be difficult to learn through audio only. I think that vodcasting would help students if I was explaining concepts while demonstrating them visually. I would like to eventually incorportate vodcasts into my classroom website. One thing that I not completely sure of is whether there is a difference between video files and vodcasts.

Web Safety in the 21st Century Classroom

Students in the high school grade level are very proficient in technology. Many students at this level even surpass the abilities of their teachers. At this level students should have advanced keyboarding skills be able to use to use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. They should also know how to use the internet to conduct research and communicate with teachers and classmates through email.

I require students in my classroom to log on to Schoolloop to check emails and look at the daily agendas and homework assignments. When students are absent from class they are required to look on my classroom website to see the smartboard lesson that was taught in a PDF form. When a student loses a homework worksheet or classroom handout they are also required to download and print the pages they have lost. Students in my class also have the ability to view the classroom textbook through the textbook website. Many students take advantage of this while they are on vacation or at a friends house and without their book.

In the high school level students should conduct appropriate behavior while on the internet. They should maintain personal safety by keeping thier usernames and passwords private and by not giving out personal information to strangers. Students should download only appropriate information and adhere to all copyright laws. Students should also treat all school property with care and respect.

At this level parents should be aware of what their students are doing on the computer and internet and ensure that they are conducting themselves appropriately. Parents should be aware of the internet sites that their students are visiting and be aware of the television programs they are viewing.

I am hoping to use videos such as the one above to provide additional support for students who were absent from class or for students who need re-teaching while at home. My plan is to post different videos on difficult topics that I generally see students struggling with. I currently post my smartboard lessons on my schoolloop website but I think it would beneficial for some of my students to have videos to watch at home as well.