Profcast Podcast Maker

A key teaching tool I use in my class is the lecture. I know in many educational ciricles, the lecture (and especially the overuse of the lecture) is frowned upon because it doesn't engage students in active learning. I agree it not very hands on but I see it as a crucial tool in my teaching arsenal.

In my capacity as a history teacher, lecturing gives me a chance to tell a story and who doesn't love a good story? To help me tell that story, I lecture using powerpoint/keynote. Powerpoint/keynote allows me to show my students images that relate to and help explain the story. While I don't expect students to simultaneously give their attention to the all the components of the powerpoint assisted lecture, I do feel it helps in delivering content so students can understand it.

In my first year of teaching I discovered many obstacles I hadn't anticipated. The most challenging obstacle was dealing with student absences. I could give the best lecture in the world and include all the necessary images but it doesn't matter if a student isn't present to witness any of it. I needed to find a way to duplicate the lecture so all students could benefit. How did I solve this problem?

I found my solution in podcasting and I highly encourage colleagues to use it as long as they are comfortable enough with technology. There is a vast array of software for all platforms and needs. I use the Humble Daisy Software Profcast (http://www.profcast.com/public/index.php). It is Apple software developed for educators wishing to publish a powerpoint lecture in one audio/video file.