One of the assignments for students in my 8th grade "Techno Savvy" class is to create a podcast. Earlier in the course these students researched a controversial topic and worked in groups to create a blog. Topics included cloning, the death penalty, cell phone use in schools, and world hunger.
I encouraged students to take a unique approach to the format of the podcast. The results were impressive. Formats included game shows, talk shows, and shopping network programs. Two of the podcasts really surprised me. One group wrote and sang an emotional song about world hunger titled "Just Imagine." Another group wrote and performed a rap on the death penalty. The lyrics came from the perspective of the accused and a police officer who rapped, "Listen hear I’m one of our cities cops. Most people we arrest aren’t at our social ladders top. I Like the death penalty it’s the best way for those monstas to go, I wonder what they think about when there on death row . . ."
Podcasting truly is a means for students to creatively communicate their learning.
