I recently attended the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) in San Diego. There were many informative sessions, but the technology applied throughout the conference was even more exciting. Every location in the San Diego conference center was wireless, so no matter where you were, you could surf the web. As I listened to Nicholas Negroponte discuss his one-to-one computing initiative, I went to his website to learn more.

While the wireless access allowed me to engage in some seriously synchronous learning, NECC also took full advantage of the web for more asynchronous opportunities. The NECC website features live video webcasts about a variety of topics that were archived for later viewing. A majority of the presenters posted their handouts and/or presentations. And for the digital generation, a number of sessions were podcasted. For those sessions I couldn’t attend, but wanted to hear, I downloaded the podcasts so I could listen to them on my computer (I don’t yet own an iPod or MP3 player). You can do the same:

• NECC Webcasts
• NECC Podcasts
• NECC speaker handouts
• Session reports (from those who attended)

I spent time learning about podcasting at the conference. I learned that in Edinburgh, Scotland, at Gracemount High School, the teachers developed podcasts for a special group of 30 eighth and ninth grade students who were all given iPods. Teachers created podcast book talks, podcast math problems, podcast art appreciation and podcast P.E. . The art appreciation teacher took pictures of important pieces of art and then discussed the attributes of each art piece – students then downloaded this podcast to view the art and listen to the teacher analysis. In P.E. the basketball coach created an animation of how to play defense. Students could view this animation and hear the coach explain how to defend play defense. Students at this school downloaded their podcast lessons on a daily basis and in some cases, created their own podcasts for some assignments. One history assignment included student created podcasts that included student interviews of World War II veterans.

So, how does all of this relate to the Big6? Just like any emerging technology, it fits into the Big6 framework. Consider these steps as you create your first (or next) podcast:

• Task Definition: What do I want in my podcast? How should my podcast be structured? How long should it be?
• Information Seeking Strategies: View other podcasts for ideas.
• Location and Access: Try iTunes
• Use of Information: Write out your script.
• Synthesis: Record and post your podcast.
• Evaluation: See if anyone writes about your podcast on their blog.

From a broader perspective, what type of Big6 podcasts should be created to teach others about the Big6? It is time to create Big6 podcasts, in addition to the written Big6 lessons we have all learned, so educators can read – and hear more about Big6 applications.

Podcast Resources
Apple iTunes (you’ll want to get the free download to access the free podcasts) –
Scotland Modern Foreign Language Institute – About Podcasting
Connect Learning with David Warlick (produces a daily podcast about education and literacy) -