Journal #8

Making Fieldtrips Podtastic! Use of Handheld Wireless Technology Alleviates Isolation and Encourages Collaboration by Aliece M. Weller, John C. Bickar, and Paul McGuinness

The authors of the article describe the benefits of creating podcasts for school fieldtrips. The idea centers on the previous notion and implementation of guided tours at museums using headphones and a portable device that explains the exhibits as one ventures from one exhibit to another. This concept is quite static and structured according to an unknown docent who is primarily concerned with a complete museum visit rather than how the podcasts are structured. The podcast fieldtrips are created by educators and students in collaboration and with a specific goal and theme in mind. Students are more engaged and in control of their learning.

Why is this type of fieldtrip better than the traditional fieldtrip?

I believe that this type of technology helps students engage with the exhibits more than listening to a teacher or docent rattle off some data and facts about something students may not connect with. The podcasts can have an impact on students that will cause them to retain, or even pay more attention to, the information they are being exposed to and even get excited about learning.

Is this type of technology affordable and accessible to students from schools with minimal budgets?

This technology does have many interesting and potentially helpful effects for students, but I am not sure that everyone has access to this technology. It sounds like a fantastic idea, but how can we get students to have access to this technology, which appears to cost more than most districts are both willing and able to spend. There are plenty of people who will say that there are sponsors who are willing to donate their products to help students, but how realistic is this?