If you're a teacher, and you've been looking for a multimedia project that your class can do that:

A)  Doesn't cost much
B)  Is easy to learn how to do
C)  Integrates a lot of writing standards
D)  Gets the kids really charged up
E)  Is easy to share with the community (especially parents)
AND
F)  Is just plain fun

Podcasting just might be what you are looking for!

If you aren't familiar with what this is, it basically boils down to the students producing their own radio show, except the final product is not broadcast live over the air, it's wrapped up as an MP3 audio file that can be shared via disk, flash drive, e-mail, or web site.

All you need is a computer, some free software, a decent USB microphone that should cost less than $30, and naturally something to talk about!

Any computer will do, but if you have a Macintosh, your experience will be easier and of a better quality using GarageBand (which comes free with every Mac).

I have 2 resources for you to get you started.

First, check out Radio WillowWeb.  This is an extremely impressive website with ongoing weekly podcasts created by the elementary students of Willowdale Elementary School in Omaha, Nebraska.  These podcasts will give you tons of inspiration for the type of content that even the youngest students are capable of creating.  Great stuff!

Then, go to my website (TimGoree.com), and browse through the materials that I have put together to help teachers get a feel for how podcasting projects can fit into their curriculum right now!

For those if you in the Norris School District, feel free to contact me if you are interested in setting up a planning appointment, and be on the lookout for a Podcasting in the Classroom training coming your way in the near future...