Why podcasts are valuable for teaching key concepts in Chemistry and Biology.

Understanding key concepts in science sets students up for success. However many students don’t always get it the first time. This is why I believe podcasts can be such a valuable teaching tool. In order for a podcast to be successful as a teaching tool I believe it should be no more than 5 to 15 minutes in length. Secondly it should cover no more than three key ideas. Finally ideas should be presented in a way that is simple and easy to understand while maintaining a high level of academic rigour.

In many schools students now have a take home device whether it be a laptop or tablet. Especially in the senior years. I sometimes use podcasts as a homework activity. So students come to my lesson with some prior knowledge and we can spend more time clarifying misconceptions and working through problems and activities. The additional benefit of podcasts is that once you give students access they can revisit that lesson again and again to initially learn a concept or for revision. They also have the ability to fast forward and rewind so they can concentrate on their area of need.

So how does a busy educator find the time to create these podcasts? There are two options find another educator who is already creating quality podcasts in your teaching area and use their database. Secondly create your own, but don’t start from scratch. You could set up your laptop camera to record yourself teaching in your classroom. Or you could spend 10 minutes after you have presented a lesson in class recording your voice to your powerpoint, prezi or electronic whiteboard notes. Educreations is a fast and easy way to create podcasts if you have an iPad and doesn’t require an technical know how.

I have been using Paul Andersen’s “Bozeman Biology” podcast in Biology for some time now. Today I discovered Paul Groves chemistry podcasts. His gas laws lesson really simplifies the problem solving procedure for students. I’m looking forward to checking out the rest of his educreations.

Paul Groves “The Gas Laws” podcast.