About the Episode
About the Episode: Dustin is pleased to welcome Josh from Padcaster to the podcast this week to discuss his work supporting students in both K-12 schools and higher ed to learn how to create high quality content. He shares the importance of both intuitive hardware and software, as well as the continuum of building these skills early and awareness of how these skills can serve students at any point in their lives.
Key Takeaways
- Lower Barriers to Content Creation: Advances in hardware and software have made high-quality video and audio production more accessible to students.
- Engagement Through Storytelling: Hands-on video production fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity in ways that traditional assignments may not.
- Portable Skills for Any Career: Content creation skills are valuable across industries, from marketing to journalism to internal communications.
- The Learning Environment Matters: Higher education provides a “safe space” for students to experiment, fail, and grow as creators.
- Practical Applications of Mobile Journalism: Tools like Padcaster allow students to produce live broadcasts, professional videos, and podcasts with ease.
Episode Summary
Why are content creation skills critical for students today?
Content creation has evolved into a core skill that transcends disciplines and industries. As Josh Apter explains, the tools for producing high-quality video and audio—like iPads and mobile devices—have never been more accessible. Students can now experiment with video production, green screens, and editing software to create engaging, collaborative projects that showcase their creativity and technical skills.
Beyond filmmaking, content creation skills are critical for careers in journalism, marketing, education, and even HR. Whether students are streaming live news broadcasts, creating onboarding videos, or launching YouTube channels, the ability to tell compelling stories through video is invaluable.
How is content creation reshaping higher education?
Higher education is increasingly embracing alternative assignments and learning modalities. As Josh points out, students today are often given the choice to submit assignments as videos, podcasts, or written work, depending on their strengths and preferences. This flexibility enhances engagement and allows students to develop confidence in sharing their ideas.
For faculty and staff, tools like Padcaster enable institutions to incorporate hands-on learning experiences into their curriculum without the need for costly, complex equipment. With mobile journalism tools and simple editing platforms, educators can prepare students for real-world applications, from covering live events to producing internal communications for organizations.
What can educators do to support student content creators?
Josh emphasizes the importance of creating a learning environment where students can experiment and fail without consequence. In higher education, this “safe space” encourages students to take creative risks, iterate on their projects, and develop essential skills like perseverance and collaboration.
Educators can start by:
- Providing intuitive tools that lower barriers to entry, such as mobile devices, video rigs, and simple editing software.
- Designing projects that encourage storytelling, teamwork, and technical skill-building.
- Offering constructive feedback that focuses on growth and improvement rather than perfection.
Josh’s advice to students and educators is simple: get started. Whether you’re creating short videos, podcasts, or full productions, the key is to take the first step, learn from mistakes, and build confidence along the way.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
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