Virtual Learning in a Digital Age – Dr. Kathleen King

Welcome! Using Digital Media and Podcasting as a Way to Reach towards Transformation

 To Risk or Not to Risk

As we look at our daily lives we so frequently want to changes things around us, our home, our neighborhood…OK, if you are under 12 you might really want to change your little brother into something else, but that isn’t exactly what I mean here. We all have something about ourselves we want to learn and grow within us. We want to reach further with that tiny strand of daring. We dare to hope that we can muster up the confidence to move ahead into a new opportunity, to break the mold of our usual habits. You are not aloneAre you surprised? Don’t be…That struggle against the status quo, familiar and “safe” is how most people feel about learning something new, and yet by NOT taking those first steps, we can be turning away from enjoying new opportunities, new relationships, and new dimensions of ourselves yet unknown! Is everything so perfect in your life that you don’t want ANYTHING to change? Usually, we have inquisitive minds, let’s learn and grow so we can at least continue to be interesting to those we care about and to benefit from the growth for ourselves. Podcasting Can Mirror New PossibilitiesAs I have watched and been part of the world of podcasting for the past years, I have been surprised to see that podcasting can offer these opportunities for change in unexpected ways! Not just for me, but I have seen this in many other people. What has startled me is how a mirror is figuratively raised by people listening to podcasts, and by people creating podcasts. Within a few short months, we have heard people talk about the great things they learn about themselves and each other through this experience.And when they stopped and spoke to us about it, it is as if they turn and look in a mirror and see the changes… read on to see what you can gain from podcast listening and podcast development! Podcasters Realized They Had Experienced Change

Podcasters, students and teachers in this case, were talking about, evaluating, practicing, and seeking to change
 

• Students were engaging in extensive collaborative student productions
• Teachers were creating cross-class collaborative projects that were grade, discipline and time transcendent
• Schools developed cross cultural, international and inter generational partners
• Children grew in confidence and strength as individuals
• Students rapidly gained 21st century skills in problem-based learning environments
• Students spent more time working on basic skills in literacy reading, speaking and following oral and written instructions.

These lessons have great meaning for other podcasters as well. First, we know you probably are in podcasting, because you want to share your views with others. But Second, podcasting is a great opportunity for you and those who podcast with you to grow and change.

From confidence building to new horizons and technology skills, new opportunities and to new networks, podcasting can be an active element of change for you as well.

So What’s the Score?

As we consider the score at the end of a sports season and end of school records, take measure of the reflection in the mirror.

How have you grown as a podcast listener?

• Have your interests expanded?
• Do you think about different perspectives now?
• Are you ready to try something new?
• Do you have more confidence in yourself?

How have you grown as a podcaster?

• Do you have more self-confidence?
• Are you branching into new areas of discovery?
• Have you expanded your networks and met new people?
• Are you thinking about the world as a place you can reach and in which you can make a difference?

Podcasting is an opportunity to change your world from the inside out. Take a risk, take a listen, explore some new ideas
Please note: This article refers to my experiences over the year of 7/05-11/06 with Podcast for Teachers, Adventures for Transformative Learning, Podcast for Professors, CoolCast Radio. I encourage you to check out our podcasts to hear what is happening in the lives of our podcasters and our podcast listeners.

For more information you may contact me at: kpking@bxmedia.net

Books by Kathleen King are found at www.bxmedia.net/kathleen-p-king.html