Technology and the Audio Learner

     I have created a bundle on my delicious account featuring eleven links and articles about audio learning.  Some of the information within these links refers to software available on how to use recordings and audio material both in teaching practice, and for students to share work and ideas.  Others feature links that students can access to listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or even poetry read by authors, that can be incorporated into a language unit.  You can search under the tags "audio" and "Brocktech13".
      The use of audio materials in the classroom can be very beneficial for all students, not only in terms as an instructional tool, but likewise as an assistive technology tool, as well as a presentation tool.  Utilizing podcast software and voice threads, teachers can create audio lessons and presentations that allow students to not only access lessons, information, and ideas both during school time and at home, but they also have the ability to comment on them.  One link I accessed involved lessons on using voice threads, where the instructor was online with the students, presenting a language lesson on connotations.  During the lesson, the teacher displayed images on the screen, giving examples of connotations for the image.  Students then had the ability to comment with their own examples of connotations for the images.  Here's a link to the lesson:

http://ed.voicethread.com/about/library/connotations/ 

       Accessing sites that feature audiobooks and podcasts is a great way for students to stay engaged and motivated, which provides more variety for students when completing independent, guided, and shared reading.  Furthermore, the use of recording software is an excellent means for students to share learning and enhance presentations.  I have students using various versions of Dragon Naturally Speaking software to record ideas and assist in brainstorming their thoughts throughout the writing process.  I also have students using audio recording software during commercial presentations regarding a toy they have designed, for a unit we're completing in media literacy.  They're using audio recordings to be featured as the narrator voice over for their commercials.  Audio material resources are great for both student presentations and teacher lesson planning alike.