Through a 2021 Shared Online Projects Initiative (SOPI) grant, Dr. Kathleen Moss (Adjunct Research Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Carleton University) and Dr. Jessica Whitley (Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa) designed a joint podcasting assessment for their early summer courses. Dr. Moss led a 4th year course, The Sociology of Teaching & Learning, K-12 (SOCI 4860) and Dr. Whitley instructed a graduate course, Inclusive and Special Education (EDU5113). The goal of the assignment was to engage students with educational and sociological content in a critically meaningful way using a podcast format. This university partnership encouraged student collaboration and the exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Graduate and undergraduate students were able to deepen their learning in the field of education and sociology by practicing skills and developing competencies in: research and analysis, project management, discipline-specific knowledge, communication, digital literacy, and leadership, in a shared and safe space. The final product is an educational podcast with student insight into: inclusivity in the classroom, creating spaces of equity for all learners, mental health and reframing assessments, and online teaching & learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to access the Across the Canal podcast.