Pocast One through Six

Podcast is a new word for me, and before listening to the class selection of Podacast I did not know what it was. My understanding so far is that a Podcast session or episode is a way to listen to product reporters or researches talk about something through an online based recorded feed, and or through a video with audio based online.
The first Podcast I listened to was episode eleven of "Smartboard Lessons," with Ben Hazzard and Joan Badger. This Podacast was conducted like an episode of the "Regis and Kelly Show." It was two people talking back and forth about different topics, it was light and humorous, and hard to pay attention to. It was hard to judge where the discussion was going. After the first twenty minutes passed I realized that I had not heard one word, or thought about Smartboards. I can say that they love their city in Canada. This Podcast episode was not on target with the subject.
Kidcast with Dan Schmit, episode sixty, was the next one I listened to. I immediately noticed that he had a softer and more welcoming voice, and that he absolutely loves videocasts. Although he was on target with the subject throughout the episode, he talked about things that he mentioned in earlier episodes, and it would have been helpful to have listened to the episodes in chronological order. Another feeling that I had about this Podcast was that I felt uninterested after a short while, it was not entertaining.
EdTechTalk, episode one hundred sixty-one, was an entertaining episode. This episode was about googledocs and how it started, why we should use it, and who is using it now in the public schools. There was one host and he had three guests that work for google in creating programs like googledocs. I learned a lot more about googledocs from listening to this Podcast. It was much better than the two prior.
Connectlearning, episode ninety-six, was amazing! It was my favorite by far! Initially I was turned off by the introduction music, which was outdated and not attractive. What made it so interesting was that this host had a mixed audience of nine thousand men and women educators. This Podcast did not seem like the others, which sounded similar to talk radio, this one was more like a PBS television episode. There was an audience member that talked about his school and what students, children, come to school knowing about technology. He mentioned that "we need to assign work and and conduct our class in a way that motivates them. One way to motivate them would be to incorporate computers and technology into everyday work because 'kids' do not see it as technology, they see it as the way to do things." I can agree with that statement. Lastly, a comment that I will remember forever, "We need to have an engaging curriculum."
Make Break Weekly, episode one hundred fifty-five, was very influential. The hosts did have the most sponsor break commercials with music. It seemed like something similar to sports radio. I don't know what Skype or MiFi Action, but they did mention it during the episode. I found myself confused every now and then with all the techtalk!
This week in Photography, episode one hundred forty-four, was very easy to listen to and on the subject about cameras and new products on the market like the three point hand strap. I would probably buy that if I had a camera to use it with. It was hard to listen to one of the guests because it sounded like he was calling in like a conference call. Otherwise, it was a good show.
Overall, I enjoyed learning about Podcasts, and all the possibilities that are available. I believe that it would be a great way to listen to a subject of interest. It was easy to pick-up on the emotions and excitement or disappointment emotions that the hosts felt. It would also be easy to listen to and do other things at the same time, like clean the house or work on a project. I enjoyed it!