The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts in its collections. The Library is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. The Podcast site within the Library of Congress (LOC) features many audio treasures found within the Library, including stories and series from the LOC Magazine, the annual National Book Festivals, Alan Lomax's Soundscapes of the Upper Midwest, a Celebration of Mexico, Digital Preservation, The Exquisite Corpse, Slave Narratives, and Music and the Brain.
Type of Material:
Collection
Recommended Uses:
The podcasts can be viewed or listened to (depending on the type) for an introduction to a topic or unit, to gather specific information to complete a task or assignment, to do individual or team research, flipped class materials, or for personal education.
Technical Requirements:
Selected podcasts may be audio-only or with video.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The Library of Congress preserves and provides access to a rich, diverse and enduring source of knowledge to inform, inspire and engage users in intellectual and creative endeavors. Whether users are new to the Library of Congress or an experienced researcher, the Library has a world-class staff ready to assist users online and in person.
The goal of this site is to utilize internet-accessible podcasts to engage learners in educational trends/issues.
Target Student Population:
Elementary students through adults,
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
None.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
There are three ways users can listen to or view a podcast at this Library of Congress site. Users can listen online by selecting a podcast of interest on this site. Or, users can download an audio podcast in mp3 format by selecting "Download Podcast." If users subscribe to a podcast, they will receive the latest episode automatically. The Library of Congress is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office.
The podcasts cover an intriguing array of content from digital preservation, to music and the brain, to slave narratives, to the last nine years of the National Book Festivals. The quality of the podcasts are very good. The podcasts present concepts, histories, ideas, and stories that can be integrated into curriculum in a variety of ways. Many of the podcasts can inspire further study or investigation depending on how they are incorporated into the learning process.
These podcasts can be used during introductions of new concepts as well as application of material already presented and/or topics for debate.
Concerns:
None.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The intent of this site is to make these podcasts available to the public. The varied content coupled with the good quality of the audio makes these podcasts useful for introducing lessons, assignments, or units. Having the option to listen online or download individual podcasts allows or subscribe to an entire series allows for choice in how the content may used and when it is delivered in the learning process. Because these are podcasts, the content can be listened to again and again, if needed or desired. The podcasts may take the form of storytelling, lectures, or interviews--all are important ways to learn and gain new knowledge.
Concerns:
None.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The Library of Congress site has a clean, visually appealing appearance. Tabs to other parts of the Library of Congress are across the top of every page and the Podcast selections are on a left-hand menu bar. Clicking on each podcast topic brings up a brief overview, a button for subscribing to the podcast and a link for viewing/listening to the podcasts online. This is very clear and straightforward. If you click on specific podcast series link, you are provided with the list of all the podcasts for that topic, and for each specific podcast the title, description, date running time, and link to listen to it. There are links to more audio, video resources in the Library of Congress on the lower left corner of each page.
The Library of Congress uses the free BrowseAloud program to enhance the accessibility of its web site. BrowseAloud reads the words on any web page through the user's computer speakers. The program helps people who may find it difficult to read text online, those who may have literacy problems, or those with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. It is also a beneficial tool for those for whom English is a second language and who may have trouble reading.
As users move their cursors over words on a web page, BrowseAloud reads them aloud, highlighting the words as they are being spoken. Alternately, users can select a "continuous" option, which allows the entire contents of a web page to be read without using the mouse. BrowseAloud can also be turned on and off with a click of the Ctrl key. Users can customize the voice, pitch, and speed of the reader to suit their needs. Browse Aloud can be downloaded at this site at the bottom of the page under Accessibility.
Concerns:
None.
Creative Commons:
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