Podcast in the Classroom

I had previously thought the process of making a podcast would be too complicated and time consuming to incorporate into the classroom, but I now know that it can be used successfully to enhance a lesson as well as to teach new skills.  There can be many challenges, however, in working on a project like this with students.  Students must work with each other in groups but this could potentially cause disagreements within groups and too much chaos in the classroom.  Teachers can make this entire process more efficient by planning ahead.  Teachers can break down the project into smaller parts to be completed one at a time, like choosing and researching the topic, then drafting and editing the script, and then filming.  By completing each section of the podcast project piece by piece, the students will have more structure to their lesson and be able to stay more on task.  If doing a podcast in class is not an option, teachers can introduce the topic by showing students examples of podcasts made in classrooms at other schools.  Teachers could also write a script for a news cast and record it on a digital camera or video recorder so students can practice the same skills of working together, writing and drafting, and speaking in public.