Tuesday, January 17, 2006

City Learning Centre - Podcast

Listen to the CLC Podcast #1

Our first full podcast is now available for download. Local band, Friends of Ken kindly provided the intro music for free. Over the coming months I'm sure the format will change dramatically.

I decided to use a simple interview as a feature in the podcast. As well as organising the jingles and other features,
I decided to use my own family as Guinea Pigs for a family history project.

With no specific structure in mind, I took a video camera and tripod up to Derbyshire over the Christmas holidays. I coerced them into taking part in a series of interviews. Both of my parents participated, as did my father-inlaw, my two nephews from New York City and myself.

The idea was simply to prove the point that impromtu interviews could be performed and published on the web quickly and easily.

The first interview, which I have given a basic edit is one with my mother. I will be re-recording this interview at a later date without the background noises, although I think they do add a certain "real feel" to them.

I'm keen to hear your comments on this podcast and on any of the upcoming programmes.

Download the City Learning Centre Podcast#1

Video Podcast




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Thursday, January 12, 2006

Educational Podcasts from November Learning


Last year, I was lucky enough to attend the City Learning Centre Managers Conference at "Villa Park" Birmingham.

The Keynote Speaker was Alan November, An American educationalist who has had success in motivating children in Americas inner Cities. Whilst Alan's Success story is undoubtably fascinating, it is his new, unfettered and modern approach to changing teaching and learnign that really got me excited.

Alan advocated the use of blogs and podcasts, not just for teachers but for students too. During his speach, he asked how many of the CLC's (City Learning Centre) actually had blogs. Luckily, I had just set this one up and so we were one of only 2 CLC's with a blog and a podcast.

Alan was astounded to see such a slow uptake amongst innovators. He pointed us to his site where teachers can see examples of other teacher blogs and even sign up for their own blog. I think it is particularly important for schools and City Learning Centre's to have a blog, for the ease of use and the ability to publish news quickly.

Since the conference myself and Kevin Wintle of the Achievement Zone have been working on a blogging System for Longton High School. The teachers there now have access to their own teacher blogs, which enable teachers to communicate with their students from beyond the classroom.

Although the project is still being developed, I think it is a great example of how Stoke on Trent Schools are really begining to utilise technology in education.

Today I received notification of the latest episode of the “November Learning Podcast”. In the show, the experts talk about how teachers need to take the lead by using blogs to improve their communication with their students.

I thought you might be interested in listening to the show.

Hear the Latest November Learning Podcast
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If you are interested in Blogging or Podcasting or just want a website for your School contact Phil Gregory of Longton High city Learning Centre on (01782) 591040 or email him on pgregory@sgfl.org.uk