This site is devoted to teaching educators how to use podcasts and vodcasts to increase student achievement.  This is the brainchild of Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams who are pioneers in the field of using vodcasts in the classroom. They have devised a new method of teaching called Pre-Vodcasting. In this model, students watch vodcasts at home and class time is spent in engaging hands-on activities and directed problem solving. Both Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams are High School Science teachers in Woodland Park Colorado, at the base of Pikes Peak. Thus far, students using the Pre-Vodcasting model have been very successful in mastering Chemistry. We believe that all teachers can benefit from Vodcasting their lessons live, and that the Pre-Vodcasting can revolutionize instruction in Math, Science, and Foreign Language.

Student Impressions:

I love the Podcasts! I think that this is a great way to teach with out teaching in the class room. The fact of being able to pause the video or go back until you understand is awesome. Also by the time we get to class we all ready know what we are doing and can just start with the work!!!

I feel that the Pre-Podcasting model of teaching is very effective. I learn better when I can go at my own pace and I like being able to do the worksheets in class where I can ask questions. I think that math classes should be taught like this as well.

I am a huge fan of the podcast teaching. It is a very innovative and effective way to teach students. The podcasts allow students to learn material at their own pace and enables them to look back on old material to better understand it. It is a reverse way of teaching. Students watch the podcasts at home and learn the new concepts there, then do the homework in class where the teacher is there to answer questions. This way of teaching leads to a better understanding of material (in my opinion), i love it!

Parent Impressions:

I have to admit I was skeptical about the Pod casts at first. I had a fear that they would reduce the amount of direct contact with the students and questions about the lectures would go unanswered. I am happy to say I was very wrong. You have come up with a way to increase the amount of teaching time for your class and I feel Aaron is doing very well with it.

Podcasting is a great idea. It is allowing you much more student contact time which allows for more information getting to your students. You should be paid extra for the time spent taping the lesson.

The paradigm shift of teachers being available for the hands on part of learning and the homework is watching the lecture is a nice positive change in the education field. This change allows our son to have access to his teacher to answer any questions he might have after watching the podcast. This system does not eliminate teachers, but allows them to teach in a different way that has been very beneficial for our son. 

About Vodcasts: Vodcasts are video podcasts which can be downloaded and viewed from anywhere with a high speed internet connection.  When you watch one of Jonathan or Aaron's vodcasts you are watching the projected image of the computer, and hearing the voice of the instructor as he presents direct instruction.  Essentially the vodcast is a PowerPoint presentation complete with voice-over and pen marks.

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