In this episode, I chat with Katie Brooks, a fifth grade ELA teacher, all about student podcast projects and how she brings this creative medium into her literacy instruction. You’ll also hear how Katie uses choice boards, easy-to-use recording tools, and engaging podcast examples to boost student voice, collaboration, and critical thinking. If you want to explore simple, meaningful ways to integrate student podcast projects into your classroom, this episode has you covered!
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Tips for Using Student Podcast Projects to Check for Understanding
- Choice boards are an easy entry point for integrating audio content.
- Audio responses offer rich insight into student comprehension.
- Podcasting fosters authentic voice—something AI can’t replicate.
- Creative podcast projects increase ownership and excitement.
SPONSORED BY MY QRG USING AI CHATBOTS TO ENHANCE PLANNING AND INSTRUCTION
Today’s episode is sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction, published by ASCD and ISTE. It’s full of quick tips educators and Amazon almost always has it on sale. Just search for me, Monica Burns on Amazon to see all of my books and quick reference guides. But please remember that there are two authors named Monica Burns on Amazon and I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to tell the difference between our books. Just head to Amazon, search Monica Burns, and you’ll find my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction. Check it out here >>
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Click to see the transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
- Connect with Katie Brooks on Instagram
- Katie Brook’s Edutopia profile
- Podcasting in Elementary School (Katie’s Edutopia article)
- Greeking Out Podcast (by National Geographic Kids)
- Smash Boom Best (Debate podcast for kids)
- The Past and the Curious (History podcast for kids)
- Vocaroo (Web-based audio recording tool)
- Google Classroom (Learning Management System)
- Canvas (Learning Management System)
- Adobe Express for Education (Free creation tools)
- MagicSchool (AI curated teaching resources)
- ChatGPT (Chatbot)
- Scholastic Storyworks (ELA resources)
- Google NotebookLM (AI-powered research & note-taking tool)
- 8 Creative Ways to Use Podcasts with Students (Podcast Episode)
- Using Tech to Help Students Tell Their Stories with Pam Allyn (Podcast Episode)
- Your Guide to Digital Choice Boards: Here’s Where to Start with Laura Boyd (Podcast Episode)
- Useful Tips for Finding Podcasts to Enhance Content with Jeff Glade (Podcast Episode)
- 8 Time-Saving Tips for Teaching with Podcasts (Podcast episode)



