Journal 8

Making Field Trips Podtastic: Use of Handheld Wireless Technology Alleviates Isolation and Encourages Collaboration
Learning & Leading with Technology – March/April 2008

This article discusses the benefits and future possibilities of a wireless, handheld field trip - a model designed by the authors while at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This interactive field trip consists of a mix of podcasts, multimedia creation, Web research, and interviewing which are all centered on a common theme. The module allows a student to interact with the exhibits at the Boston Museum of Science in a guided, yet exploratory way. It is intended to increase the amount of time a student spends at exhibits as well as the depth of engagement with each exhibit. As podcasting alone is primarily a “push” technology, it tends to focus listeners inward and do not encourage human interaction. In a museum setting, when paired with a handheld computer, however, podcasting can encourage collaboration and interaction with others. It is also noted that the handheld field trip supports the National Educational Technology Standards. Since teachers create the podcast content, they can align the lesson with the national and state curriculum standards as they wish.
Other than field trips, how can podcasting help students engage with others in the classroom?
Supplementing a lesson with a podcast can reinforce curriculum and set the stage for classroom discussions. Because of the mobility of podcasts, students can use them almost anywhere. With just a little bit of effort, a student can participate in the lesson and therefore will not be without contributions to discussions.
What kind of commitment is necessary from an educator to utilize podcasting and other technologies in the classroom for the benefit of the students?
Obviously, introducing new technology into lesson planning will take a great deal of commitment. It will take time to develop a lesson that will reach students of all technological levels. It is important not to overwhelm a student and thus isolate them even more. Once a lesson plan is built, fine tuning will always be necessary depending on the individual needs of the students.