This week, I want to spend some time talking about audio projects. Specifically, let's talk about creating podcasts or original music. Podcasts are a great way for students to be able to share their understanding of or opinion on a particular topic. There are many different types of podcasts, but the main categories I like to consider are:
Interview: Asking questions of a guest or guests
Non-Fiction Storytelling: Sharing the story of a real-life event (like true crime podcasts)
Informational/Educational: Teaching about (or opining about) a specific topic
Conversational (co-hosts): Discussing a topic with multiple hosts, who preferably have differing opinions or takes
It doesn't matter what content area you teach - your students could certainly find something within one of these broad topics to discuss in a podcast. And if the podcasts are particularly great, you should consider entering them into the NPR Student Podcast Challenge!
As for original music - okay, I get that this one is a bit more of a stretch, and I would not recommend requiring all students to do a project where they need to create original music...BUT...we all know there are students in this building who LOVE music. We also all know what a conjunction is and what happens to a bill in Washington based on some very catchy tunes from a certain 1970s cartoon (even if we weren't born yet!) So why not give students the option to create their own original song that could be used to teach about a particular topic? Maybe the songs could be shared with the middle or elementary school students to help teach them!
There are many tools that can help students create podcasts or original music, but I'm going to highlight one that we have access to here - Soundtrap.
This is an online, collaborative audio recording and editing tool that is akin to Apple's GarageBand. You can connect microphones or musical instruments or you can use its library of instrument loops to create your own song without needing to know how to play an instrument. Since it is browser-based, it can be used on any device. We currently have a 100-seat license, which means that if you have students who are interested in using it or you want to do a whole class project, you will need to reach out to me so I can activate the licenses.
I already have lots of quick video tutorials created and I am happy to work with you, your class, or individual students to get set up. If any of this sounds interesting to you - schedule a time to work with me!
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