Week 6 Reflection

Concerning the future of podcasting in education, I can honestly say that the outcomes and applications are all inherently positive and beneficial.  The teaching with podcasting article made mention of the various ways that podcasting would add to the educational experience for both students and teachers.  The ability of producing lectures that are downloadable could theoretically expand the classroom infinitely.  The possibilities of distance education are more likely and accessible to anyone that has an internet connection.  Misunderstanding during class would no longer hinder students’ learning.  Sick days would no longer cause a student to fall behind.  The creation of supplemental material that’s as easily accessible would help students follow up on interests and further establish what the lecture material aimed to teach.  With the new type of student, those who laugh at focusing attention on a single piece of information, having access to this largely expansive collection of information would not only help to hold their attention to the subject at hand but create a more complex collection of information-based relationships. 

In my math class, the assignments would no longer be focused on conceptual and procedural knowledge.  I would finally be able to assign activities that are easier to promote logic-based learning, a huge component in mathematics, and help me in assessing them.  As of now, most education systems are actually restricting this focus due to time constraints.  Logic-based proofs, a fantastic assessment of logically reasoning, could simply be spoken rather than mapped out.  This in itself is another form of logically reasoning that could be strengthened.  Additional assignments given through podcasts would allow for students to play to their strengths which might just be the spoken rather than written word.  Understanding would be easier to convey when using a media format that they tend to be more proficient in.  The whole technology would just make things easier and more effective for everyone.