How to use Podcasts and Streaming Video in the Classroom.

Definition of terms A podcast is, according to the New Oxford American Dictionary, "a digital recording of a radio broadcast or similar program, made available on the Internet for downloading to a personal audio player," but the generally accepted definition has expanded to include video as well as audio Streaming video is “Streaming Video: Probably the most widely misunderstood video terminology on the Internet. 99% of the videos you watch on the web, including YouTube, are not streaming videos. Almost every video you watch online is actually what is known as 'Progressive Download', which means the video is being downloaded from it's source whilst you watch the video. I'm sure you have experienced the frustrating 'video buffering' experience, when the video pauses and a spinning symbol appears on the video. What is happening is the video isn't downloading as fast as the video is playing, and has to pause whilst it downloads more of the video. When enough video has downloaded, it starts up again, and so it continues. This is why people with fast broadband connections are less likely to experience the 'buffering' syndrome, as they download the video much faster. 'Streaming' video on the other hand is exactly what it sounds like. The video is being 'streamed' in real time using special (and very expensive) hosting and software. A true streaming video can be started anywhere and it will play instantly and without pausing, but the high cost of operating streaming video puts it out of the reach of most Internet users.

Advantages of Podcasts Can be easily copied and saved to portable devices/computers. No “buffering” down time No annoying/inappropriate advertisements

Advantages of “Streaming”Video Readily available, free, premade Real world/native speaker content rks/190-how-engines-work-video.htm rks/190-how-engines-work-video.htm

Disadvantages of Podcasts You usually have to make them yourselves You have to put them somewhere If you can find premade ones, they are often thematically limited.

Disadvantages of “Streaming” Video Download speeds may be slower than playing speeds, causing the buffering problem. If the website or Internet connection crashes, you cannot access the content.

Which to choose? Podcasts are great for audio/video lessons. “Streaming” video is great for thematic activities, authentic listenings, and whole language exposure.

How can we use Podcasts in our classes? Contact Dr. Chris Stryker at CET for more information on making podcasts. Once a podcast is made it can be put on the X:drive and distributed to students.

How can we use Videos in our classroom? Choose a theme. Find a video that is appropriate in length and content. Make a worksheet to go along with the video, including comprehension questions.

Example How does a car engine work? In this video, you will see what is inside a computer. Watch the video and take notes, hen answer the following questions: In the first part of this video, the presenter shows us how to fire a potato canon. What is a potato canon? What is the most important thing about engines we can learn from a potato canon? What are the four steps to firing one? What are three kinds of fuel you can use in a potato canon? What is the key thing to understand about engines? What is a gasoline molecule made up of? When it ignites (burns) how many molecules does a single molecule of gas turn into? What is the effect of the gas igniting on the potato? How is an internal combustion engine like a potato canon? Next, the video describes the how an air molecule experiences internal combustion. Put these steps in the correct order: _____intake manifold _____air filter _____sucked into cylinder _____mixed with fuel _____piston flies the other way _____compressed by piston _____through the muffler and out the tail pipe _____intake valve opens _____exhaust valve opens _____fly down exhaust pipe to catalytic converter _____spark fires causing ignition What pushes a jet engine forward? Why does a rocket engine carry oxygen with it? What is the same basic principle that all these engines use?