But for me, the weaknesses are nothing when compared to the benefits of Gabcast. With little trouble, my students can record on any topic from anywhere. If we're on a field trip and they want to record their reflections, it's no sweat. All they have to do is dial a 1-800 number from their cellphones. If we're in the classroom and I want small groups of children to comment on a topic that we're studying in class, it's done. "Kids, go get your cell phones and working with a partner...."
(Needless to say, that's one of their favorite parts of our day.)
What Gabcast offers is immediacy. Students and teachers using Gabcast to record can begin podcasting today without having to take any continuing education classes or begging for resources to buy new digital tools. That kind of flexibility is what literally defines the work of the 21st Century----and it is the kind of work that teachers should be emphasizing in their classrooms.
(If Gabcast is blocked by your school district's firewall, consider checking out Gcast or Podomatic. Both are similar services that may be of value to you in your efforts to get plugged in.)
Owen Fidler on 02 May 14When working in 1:1 schools, there are so many ways to document and share bell work and end of class closings. It is even better to tie them together and gain further meaning... I.e. question for follow up is answered the following lesson.
"I am one of those people who regularly figures out exactly what to say after the moment has passed. I will be deep in conversation with someone, sharing thoughts and bouncing around ideas. Yet, as the thoughts swirl, I'll have an unsettled feeling. Often it is not until some time later, when the ideas have marinated, that I realize what matters most to me and how to say it. I find that the flow of learning for many of my students matches my personal need for intellectual reflection. "
