Vodcasts

Great workshop with the basics of Vodcasting. The presenter, Jamie Yoos from Bellingham, WA uses vodcasts (video podcasts) to deliver instruction to students. He "flips" the day so their homework is to watch the lecture. The next day in class his students can then discuss the materials and ask more in-depth questions or experiment with hands-on projects. He uses Camtasia to create the software and teachertube.com for hosting but also suggested Jing as a free creation software.

Yoos doesn't really worry about student access to the internet because the school library and labs are open late, students also have access at the public library, via cell phones and ipods. He also noted a district in CO has created DVD's of their vodcasts. These steps essentially eliminate technology barriers.

As an AP and Honors teacher his students are no doubt highly motivated. However, Yoos also talked about using this technology for differentiation. For example, if a vodcast is made regarding a science lab, students who watch the vodcast at home can then start right away. Those who don't, can watch the vodcast in the classroom prior to starting the lab. This allows for a staggered start to the lab so the teacher can assist more students. Those who are most motivated have more time to complete hands-on tasks and take the lesson to a deeper level.

Another idea that I liked was vodcasting corrections of math assignments. Then the teacher plays the video at the beginning of class, students follow along checking individual work. Since the video is providing the step-by-step instruction the teacher can go through the class assisting students who are having difficulties. Those students who mastered the lesson and able to keep working with the video.

Yoos said it took about an hour to create a 15 minute vodcast (including the PowerPoint). The key is to remember you're human and perfection is fleeting.

Joice