Expand your PLN with Podcasts
I started listening to podcasts about 2 years ago. I spent a lot of time (pre-COVID) in the car during work, driving from building to building and town to town that added up to a good amount of "downtime". And sometimes, I just needed that downtime to listen to music or drive in silence, but other times I found that it was a great way to listen to podcasts that I may not otherwise turn on and sit and listen to at home or work. Now that we are remote, I switched up my listening time to when I take the dog for a walk or when I am cleaning the house, or as part of my workday.
I have a wide range of topics in my podcast library; from educational, technology, parenting, and entertainment. If you are looking to expand your PLN, I strongly recommend taking a look at the wide variety of available podcasts.
So, what is a podcast?
The official definition of a podcast is "a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically." (dictionary.com)
How do you find and listen to podcasts?
You can find them in a variety of ways. The most common is via your mobile device. If you are an Apple user, there is a Podcast app built into your operating system, and from there you can search and subscribe/download shows and episodes. From an Android device, you can search and listen to podcasts via the Google Play Music app. You can also listen on your computer/laptop via Spotify, Sticher, or iTunes. Some hosts will also post their podcast recordings to their website or blog.
How does this become a part of your PLN?
While some podcasts are "one-sided", meaning that the host presents their podcast and you listen to it, many are engaging with their listeners via social media. Most podcasts have a corresponding website or blog that provides additional information and resources that were discussed in the podcasts. Many hosts have either a Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account linked to the podcast or as their personal account where they are available to interact via comments and DM with listeners. Some have created private Facebook groups related to the podcast for those that want a more robust community where members share resources and ask questions.
Where should I start???
Over the past 2 years, the podcasting market has exploded as far as the number of podcasts available. When selecting a podcast, I look for when the podcast was started, do they consistently post episodes, what are some of the topics that they have highlighted, who are the guests, and what are the ratings/feedback. Because this process can be overwhelming, here are my top 5 podcasts (by category) that are my go-to's every week. Feel free to use them as a place to start if any of the topics interest you.
My Top 5 Assistive Technology/Technology/Educational Podcasts
1 Ask the Tech Coach with Jeff Bradbury and Susan Vincentz: From their website: "Ask the Tech Coach is a weekly podcast designed to support Tech Coaches and Instructional Technology Specialists. Each week, host Jeff Bradbury (TeacherCast Educational Network) discusses relevant topics in Educational Technology."
2. The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast with Jennifer Gonzalez: From their website: "Teaching strategies, classroom management, education reform, educational technology — if it has something to do with teaching, we’re talking about it. On the podcast, I interview educators, students, administrators, and parents about the psychological and social dynamics of school, trade secrets, and other juicy things you’ll never learn in a textbook. Other episodes feature me on my own, offering advice on ways to make your teaching more effective and more fun."
3. The Google Teacher Podcast with Kasey Bell and Matt Miller: If you want to learn about all things Google, especially all of the new updates and changes, this podcast is your one-stop for that!
4. Shake up Learning with Kasey Bell: from their website: "The show features a variety of episodes for K12 teachers and educators, including tech tips, lesson ideas, practical advice, on-air coaching, student interviews, and interviews with inspiring educators."
5. Talking with Tech AAC podcast with Rachel Madel and Chris Bugaj: from their website" Join speech-language pathologists Rachel Madel M.A., CCC-SLP, and Chris Bugaj M.A., CCC-SLP every week as they discuss all things relating to technology for communication. "
My Top 5 for parenting a child/young adult with learning differences/challenges and Special Needs: these podcasts are hosted by parents (or siblings) who also happen to be experts in the area of special education. Topics range from education, ADL's (activities of daily living), vocational skills, and general tips for families. While these podcasts are geared towards parents and caregivers, some of the episodes are relevant to educators. It also provides a glimpse of life from the parent perspective.
1. Lomah Special Needs Podcast with Kim Albrecht
3. The Mama Bear Podcast with Mary Susan McConnell
4. Thriving in the Midst of Chaos
5. Parenting Impossible with Annette Hines
My Top 5 for Mindfulness: we all need to take time to just "breathe", and these podcasts focus on mindfulness, meditation, and ways to become more centered in your life.
1. The Metta Hour Podcast with Sharon Salzberg
2. Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
3. Unlocking Us with Brene Brown
Do you have something to share?
The great thing about podcasting is that anyone can do it! Do you have information that you want to share with your teachers, PLN, or community? Consider starting a podcast of your own! My goal is to launch my podcast in October, so if you would like to hear about my "starting a podcast journey" let me know and I can do a post (and podcast episode) on that.
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