Podcasting: The New Voice of Your Students

Wayne Splettstoeszer Director of Instrumental Music/Music Technology at Torrington High School, CT

The new podcast station at Torrington High School, supplied and installed by SoundTree.

Podcasting has emerged as a transformative tool in education, giving students a platform to explore their creativity, articulate their thoughts, and connect with their peers in meaningful ways. It is easy to implement, highly relevant to today’s digital landscape, and offers a safe space for students to express themselves. In many ways, podcasting is becoming the new voice of students, offering opportunities for personal growth, engagement, and even therapeutic benefits.

The EVO4 audio interface

One of the greatest strengths of podcasting is its simplicity. With just a microphone and basic editing software, students can dive into the process of creating their own podcasts. Platforms like Audacity, Soundtrap, and Anchor are user-friendly and widely accessible, allowing even novice users to produce polished audio content. This ease of use removes barriers and ensures that podcasting is an inclusive activity, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to participate and thrive.

Podcasting is also highly relevant to the interests and habits of today’s students. In a world dominated by digital media, students are already familiar with podcasts as a source of entertainment and information. By incorporating podcasting into the classroom, educators tap into a medium that resonates with their audience. Students see podcasting as more than an assignment; they view it as a chance to engage with real-world formats and communicate in ways that feel modern and meaningful.

Podcasting aligns seamlessly with 21st-century learning objectives, which emphasize critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. These skills are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. By engaging in podcasting, students develop their ability to analyze information critically, synthesize ideas, and present them effectively. The creative aspect of podcasting encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving, as students must determine how to best convey their message and captivate their audience. Collaboration often plays a significant role in podcast creation, as students work together to script, record, and edit episodes, honing their teamwork and interpersonal skills. Additionally, podcasting reinforces the importance of communication by requiring students to articulate their ideas clearly and compellingly.

EVO SR1 Condenser Mic - included in the EVO Start Recording Bundle

More than just a creative outlet, podcasting significantly improves student engagement. It transforms passive learners into active participants by giving them ownership of their projects. Students choose topics they are passionate about, whether it’s social issues, music, science, or personal stories. This freedom fosters enthusiasm and a deeper connection to the material. The process of planning, scripting, recording, and editing podcasts develops critical thinking and organizational skills, while the collaborative nature of podcasting builds teamwork and communication abilities.

Creating a podcast also provides students with a safe space to express themselves. For many, speaking into a microphone feels less intimidating than addressing a classroom. This comfort allows students to share thoughts and emotions they might otherwise keep to themselves. The act of speaking and being heard can be deeply validating, helping students build confidence and self-esteem. Podcasting can also serve as a form of therapy, offering students an outlet to process experiences and reflect on their lives in a structured yet creative way.

The versatility of podcasting is another reason for its growing popularity in education. A podcast can be anything the creator wants it to be—a storytelling platform, an investigative series, a showcase for music, or a deep dive into a specific topic. This flexibility encourages students to think outside the box and explore their unique interests and talents. It also ensures that every podcast is as distinctive as its creator, highlighting the diversity of voices and perspectives within a classroom.

Ultimately, podcasting empowers students to find their voice and share it with the world. It nurtures creativity, fosters engagement, and provides a safe, supportive environment for self-expression. As more educators embrace podcasting as a teaching tool, its potential to transform learning and enrich student experiences will only continue to grow

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Wayne Splettstoezer is in his 22nd year as Director of Instrumental Music/ Music Technology at Torrington High School. His music technology program has been nationally recognized and featured at All-State conferences in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Texas. Most recently, THS was featured as a Best Practice for Music Education at the 2018 Audio Engineering Society High School Educators Conference. WSplettstoeszer@torrington.org