 What is a
Podcast
From
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A
podcast is a digital media file, or
a series of such files, that is
distributed over the Internet using
syndication feeds for playback on
portable media players and personal
computers. A podcast is a specific type
of webcast which, like 'radio', can mean
either the content itself or the method
by which it is syndicated; the latter is
also termed podcasting.
 On
January 15th, 2009 the SOMS school psychologists and
guidance counselors were on hand for the PTA meeting
to give a presentation on 'The Middle School
Years'. It was a continuation of a coffee-chat
that was given to parents in the fall.
Julianna Michael and Steve Sawitsky (School
Psychologists) and Trish Iannucci, Siobhan Maiorano
and Karen Martin (Guidance Counselors) were on hand
to discuss the new behaviors, thoughts and actions
that parents could expect from their children as
they enter middle school. The presentation began
with a
quick movie to introduce the information, and
then a
PowerPoint presentation was given by all the
members. The information was also recorded onto a
podcast, which followed the presentation.
|
Ancient Hunters
study performance for Cottage Lane
Students.
Listen Now!
Everything you wanted to know about the
Cottage Lane School Library prepared
by Barbara Bandura
 Heroes
of the Holocaust
Students in the KEA program participated
in an 8-week study of the Holocaust and its silent
heroes from Anne Frank to the people of Denmark whom
formed a resistance to foil Nazi’s plans.
Students in the KEA program read grade
level novels on Holocaust Heroes. Each student selected
a scene and wrote a play from that scene. The students
then created podcasts of their plays. The podcast
include music that represents each play.
Click here to listen
 YES
Announcer,
John Flaherty,
“Communicates” with South Orangetown Middle School
Students (Our project
made it into
The Hall
Monitor published by the National Hall of Fame)
Former New York Yankees catcher John
Flaherty and current game analyst for YES’ Yankees
telecasts met with students from Mrs. McBride’s GT
classes on Wednesday, June 13th.
Students in Mrs. McBride’s classes
recently completed a thematic unit: Communication Arts.
Using America’s favorite past time, students relived the
roles of announcers, commentators, spectators and sound
effect producers just as broadcasters did years ago.
Through baseball the students experienced the history of
mass media from the early 20th century to
today.
A videoconference to the Baseball Hall of Fame started
the unit. On this virtual field trip, students
participated in a live, interactive lesson with a Museum
director and recreated Mark McGwire’s sixty-second home
run in St. Louis using today’s technology, pod casting.
In addition, students discussed the impact of H.G.
Well’s radio play, The War of the Worlds on a listening
audience compared to a radio dramatization with
simulated baseball broadcasts of the same era.
Ultimately, students wrote, created and produced their
own podcasts based on their interests.
 During
his presentation, Mr. Flaherty discussed how his
education and passion for baseball support his current
broadcasting position today. He even shared his
well-known hit as a Yankee… a 2004 pinch-hit walk-off
single that ended a 13-inning regular season game
against the Red Sox!
In order
for all students to benefit from this experience, a
podcast was created. After his presentation, two
students interviewed Mr. Flaherty to highlight his time
at South Orangetown Middle School.
Click to hear the interview.
Caveat Emptor
 4th
graders studied creative expression and psychology in
order to understand advertising. They were introduced
to advertising
and how it affects their lives and buying
decisions. They judged whether the information that is
presented to them in advertisements is valid and whether
or not they are buying the products or
services because
these are things they truly need. These skills enabled
them to become more independent, well-informed
consumers. In addition, students used creative thinking
to
create their own advertisements (radio, television
and print) for a product and/or service. Radio
commercials were recorded as
podcasts for others to
appreciate. Future buyers beware. These students might
be able to sell you the Brooklyn Bridge!
 Italian
to go? That’s correct!
L’Italiano in viaggio? E’ proprio cosi’!
The bell might ring after
42 minutes but learning continues beyond our classroom
walls. Ms. Avantifiori, teacher of Italian, and Mrs.
McBride, teacher of the gifted and talented, recently
teamed up to create StudyCasts for students in 8th
grade who are enrolled in Italian. To help them prepare
for their final exams, these teachers incorporated
technology to review content with students anytime,
anywhere. The StudyCasts enable students to access the
review wherever they have Internet access, or they can
download it to an MP3 player. Students can also request
a CD of the StudyCast, which they can play in a standard
CD player. Technology has dramatically changed our
lives, and we experimented with it to meet the needs of
students in and out of school. Enjoy!
Italian
Proficiency Review
Italian Questions
"QUIET
ON THE SET!"
Mrs. McBride's 6th Grade Class
This directive was
used by 6th graders in Mrs. McBride's class. As a
culminating activity to their unit on communication,
students created and recorded podcasts based on their
interests. Students learned that a podcast can be
anything from a favorite radio show, a song, an excerpt
from a text, or even a news summary. Podcasts enable us
to take information with us anywhere, anytime and allows
us to communicate with the world through the Internet.
Sixth graders had a great time recording podcasts from
reenacting sports events to producing their own shows
and auditions.
#62 in
St. Louis
1986 World Series
JK's
Fashion Do's and Don'ts
Tina
(Vocalist)
Pablo Perea at Tappan Zee Elementary
In December, Tappan Zee Elementary
School received a grant from the
Rockland Arts Council to bring renowned
Cuban artist, Pablo Perea, to work with
the entire second grade students on the
creation of a mural. The mural, working
from the theme, “Home is where your
story begins,” explores family heritage,
tradition and identity.
Listen
to more about this project
Podcasts from Mr.
Ward's Class -
Click here |
