Podcasts in the Classroom

Podcasts can be quite useful when used in the proper context. I don't feel they should ever be used in place of a teacher, but rather to enhance class discussions led or facilitated by the teacher. Podcasts can be great for students who may be absent and desire reinforcement with given topics.

I watched a podcast hosted by NOVA entitled, "How Cancer Begins" and I found it to be quite enlightening. Dr. Robert Weinberg from MIT gives a talk on the origins of cancer in humans and the environmental factors that may lead to cancer incidences. I am considering using this podcast for my classes once we begin the Cell Division unit. Good stuff.

Dawn Berkeley