TOP PICKS | 15 TOOLS
Best Podcast Apps and Websites for Students
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Podcasts
Search, access, and organize podcasts from iTunes' free library
Bottom line: This valuable tool helps teachers and students find educational podcasts that can supplement or replace the use of traditional textbooks.
Grades: K–12
Price: Free
GarageBand
Amazingly powerful audio workstation unleashes creativity
Bottom line: There's exceptional functionality in this solid, all-inclusive audio workstation that's fantastic for high-quality, anytime, and anywhere audio recording and sharing.
Grades: 3–12
Price: Free 32 GB or larger iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 10 or later, or recently purchased Mac laptops/desktops, already have installed installed.
Science Friday
A weekly dose of curiosity for teachers and students alike
Bottom line: For a weekly rejuvenation of scientific learning, Science Friday is a source of inspiration for both teachers and students.
Grades: 3–12
Price: Free
Audacity
Free online music-maker also a lesson in open-source software quality
Bottom line: With tons of quality tutorials and help, this free recording site is a real treat for those who don't have access to the branded software.
Grades: 5–12
Price: Free
StoryCorps
From the everyday to the extraordinary, personal interviews get kids listening
Bottom line: It's a great resource to help demonstrate the value of listening and the importance of storytelling and interviewing skills.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
Listenwise
Bring real-world stories from public radio into the classroom
Bottom line: A fantastic resource that brings both historical and current event public radio stories into the classroom.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free to Try, Paid
Youth Radio
A stellar take on the news from diverse kid journalists
Bottom line: An outstanding place to find fresh voices and NPR-quality content created by kids.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
Anchor
Podcasting app is super easy to use, if you can do it all in one take
Bottom line: There are few easier ways to publish a podcast, but that ease of use comes at the cost of one-take creation and few tools for post-production.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free
Radio Rookies
Teens share enthusiastic voices on serious topics
Bottom line: Radio Rookies could use a few content updates, but its heart is in the right place and it shows.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free
Soundtrap
Powerful online audio production with built-in collaboration features
Bottom line: Soundtrap is a uniquely collaborative music-production environment, but you'll want to evaluate the privacy issues and what the pricey EDU version offers.
Grades: 8–12
Price: Free to Try, Paid 30-day free trial. Afterward, it costs $249 per year for up to 50 students and $474 per year for 100 students. This version includes all the premium features of the consumer version plus extra security and privacy for COPPA compliance and a teacher dashboard.
HowStuffWorks
Explore the world's nuts and bolts in this fab interactive info hub
Bottom line: Interesting, well-researched articles make this free resource a gem.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free
NPR: Borderland
Illuminating, up-close-and-personal visit to the U.S.-Mexico border
Bottom line: As a truly unique resource that's worth using, teachers will need to create lessons that scaffold students' understanding of the complex issues found within.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free
NPR News
Top-notch digital content takes students beyond the airwaves
Bottom line: Provides an easy, fun, and effective way to engage students with radio.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free
NPR One
Trusty podcast app has quality content but lacks learning supports
Bottom line: An enticing free option for connecting current events to content through podcasts, but student engagement hinges on how you incorporate it.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free
Science Update
60-second podcasts spark kids' interest with daily fix of science news
Bottom line: Amidst some fun, these audio clips provide a regular dose of news about current scientific research.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free
