Pender County Schools U.S. History Podcasts

Pender County Schools Podcast Site

Username: podcasts

Password: learnonline

Annotation

Context and Conditions

This project was designed during the 2005-2006 school year and development occured in the summers 2006 and 2007. The podcasts were in response to low test scores in U.S. History and a recommendation from the district Social Studies Director that supplemental materials be created. Two expert teachers were used as subject-matter experts and developers and one media coordinator was identified as an instructional developer/media specialist. The goal was to create short objective-based portable audiovisual videos that would entertain students and facilitate their learning. They were all paid a stipend for a period of four weeks to design and develop objective-based scripts, a series of audiovisual podcasts, and self-assessment items that would be included within the material.

Scope

These podcasts are now available to all U.S. History students and teachers in Pender County Schools. Students and teachers currently use the podcasts for unit introductions, reviewing for tests and clarifying concepts.

Role

I served as the instructional designer and project manager for this initiative. I selected the delivery system, trained the developers, facilitated the design and managed the resources for this project. I also assisted with the development process. Our team has presented this project at the North Carolina Social Studies Conference and have received attention from the State Superintendent and other state officials for our efforts.

Reflection

This was my first professional project in which I planned, designed and implemented a project. Although my knowledge of project management was somewhat limited (this was my first year in the MIT program), I feel that I was able to effectively manage project resources, meet deadlines, facilitate the design process and guide the development team. The feedback that we have received from other professionals in the education system has been positive. Feedback from students has also indicated that the podcasts are entertaining and helpful in clarifying concepts that they have studied.