Part+3+LISTEN

====[|Pandora] internet radio allows you to create your own free online radio station. The result of the Music Genome Project, Pandora allows you to select a musical style or artist that you like and then suggests other artists with similiar qualities. Once you register for an account you can create multiple stations. You can also fine tune the selections by giving musicians a thumbs up or down.====


 * Use it in the classroom**: Music can set the mood for learning. Have soothing jazz playing as students re-enter the classroom after recess. Dial up some Mariachi music to kick off a study of Mexico, or create a classical station to serve as background music during a quiet transition. The Leverett computer lab uses new age music to create a soothing atmosphere for students.

**Explore!** Register for a Pandora account and create your own station.

iTunes is an application that connects you to a world of music, video and podcasts right on your mac. Songs are available for purchase (most are $1.29), Movies and TV shows may be purchased for download, (Season 1 of Glee will set you back $47.99!) and audiobooks are available. iTunes digital distribution of music has changed the industry. ("Three ways iTunes, and its 10 billion in sales, changed music industry", Christian Science Monitor, 2/26/10)

This week we are going to focus on podcasts. A podcast is simply a music or talk program made available in digital format for automatic download over the Internet. Let's begin by exploring the podcast section of iTunes to get a feel for what is available. From iTunes, select the iTunes Store on the left and then "Podcasts" from the top menu bar. Podcasts are free. You can subscribe to podcasts and they will be automatically delivered to your iTunes library, where you can listen to them on your computer or download them to your iPod or iPad. NPR has a nice collection of podcasts, so if you are a fan of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me or This American Life, you will find those here.

As you scan the the tabs on the top of the iTunes screen you will also find one for [|iTunesU]. There is content here on a wide range of topics from top schools, including a K-12 link in the upper right corner. Have a look around.


 * Use it in the classroom:** A podcast is a useful tool to introduce a topic or enhance a unit. Students can listen on portable devices (if you have iPods) or from classroom computers. They can listen as many times as needed for comprehension. They can be used to differentiate instruction.


 * Explore!** Listen to a few podcasts. Can you find one that would further a unit you already teach?

Part 2
Now that you have seen the range of podcasts available from other sources you might want to try creating your own. On your mac this is simple and the possiblities are endless! We are going to use **Garageband**, an application on your mac that can be used to create music and also record voice. With the built-in microphone, there is no set up, one click and you are ready to go. You'll find garageband on your dock or in your applications folder. When you launch it you'll see one of the choices is "Create New Podcast Episode". Give your podcast a name. You will then select which voice (we suggest using female voice for all elementary school students) click the red record button and talk away. It is that easy. This is a good overview of the process of creating a podcast: Garageband Video Tutorial


 * Use it in the classroom:** Record a lesson for students introducing a new topic. Students can then listen to it on their own (in the class or at home). Record students sharing their writing. Record classroom readers theater. Have students teach a lesson.Create book talks.You get the idea.


 * Explore!** Record a short podcast. Get comfortable with the controls and the sound quality.