Scarcity

While there are a growing number of podcasts for audiences interested in economic issues, very few sites are tailored for the K-12 classroom. We suspect that this is primarily due to two interconnected problems. First, teachers may not be aware of all of their options in applying podcasting to the classroom. Second, even if they have an idea for a podcast, teachers may not know how to produce one or where to host the podcasts. We see this as a missed opportunity. Given the emphasis on economics connections to the real world and the fact that many economic concepts occur dynamically in real time (Think: Stock Market ticker!), economics offers many opportunities for engaging and effective podcasting possibilities.

To assist teachers, we have developed this website—Econocast. We envision this as an evolving "clearinghouse" for diverse approaches to podcasting in the classroom with examples of innovative economics-oriented podcasts, a production process guide to assist with the recording and editing process, and a means to host and share podcasts. Economics teachers will be able to request a free account and generate their own homepages that may include one or more podcasts (See “Producers”). Users will be able to configure and manage their accounts completely online with little technical skill required.

Our hope is that by providing this support, economic educators can create podcasts and focus on what they do best – engaging their students in meaningful, substantive economic thinking.