Fordham University’s Regional Educational Technology Center (RETC) announced its first annual Podcast for Teachers Best Education Podcast Awards on July 11. The winners were: Greg “Fritz” Umbach, assistant professor of history, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Best Higher Education Podcast; Jeffrey T. Bradley, physical science instructor, Slauson Middle School, Best Teacher Podcast for Teacher TopCast; Eric Wong, Level Playing Field Institute, Best Student Project Podcast for Smashcast- Bottling It Up; and two Special Category Honorable Mentions to Kevin Haight, North Vineline High School, for Great Gatsby, and to “Alive at Five” for New York City Region 5 television broadcast also on a podcast feed.
“These podcasts are an example of what can happen when teachers and students are allowed to be creative in learning experiences,” said Kathy King, Ed.D., director of the RETC. “They demonstrate work which goes much further than basic requirements and illustrate the commitment and excellence among teachers and students, which RETC and Podcast for Teachers supports and empowers.”
The best podcasts were selected by a panel of experts who evaluated entries in the areas of creativity, efficacy and practicality. The first place recipient in each category will receive $100 and will be featured in a future interview on the podcast series. Sponsored by Fordham’s RETC and Podcast for Teachers, the competition recognizes outstanding teacher, student and school work in educational podcasting. King and Mark Gura, a professional developer and outreach coordinator for the RETC, are co-hosts of Podcast for Teachers, and developed the awards program to encourage the use of podcast technology as a way to enhance teaching, learning and professional development.
The Regional Educational Technology Center serves and researches professional development needs of educators striving to improve student and teacher performance. The center’s award-winning programs serve educators across grade levels and contexts, providing in-class and distance learning opportunities. These efforts include K-12, adult education and higher education settings.
