During this unique time of physical distancing, we should stay at home, be refraining from attending large gatherings, and keeping our distance from others to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As we take care of ourselves and our loves ones, we can use this time to listen, learn and share. Teachings In The Air is an Indigenous podcast focusing on Indigenous health and wellness that aims to inspire, motivate, and empower people to be sound in mind, body and spirit – because that’s what healthy means! Be sure to follow the podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. This week they shared some basic lessons on Podcasting at Home.
Podcast host Elder Gerry Oleman explores issues relating to Indigenous men’s health and wellness, such as healthy masculinities, relationships, parenting, addictions, intergenerational trauma and healing, resilience, innovation and much more. Gerry speaks about the deadly virus in a special episode of Teachings In The Air. Addressing COVID-19: Warrior Up is a call to action to keep our families and communities safe during this unique time. Gerry reminds us that “It is time to warrior up – we need to beat this virus, we need to work together.” Listen to his fabulous podcast below!
There are so many ways to podcast. You can do it with others, virtually, digitally, over the phone! You don’t need a fancy recording studio to create excellent content, and there are free digital tools you can use to make that happen. Below find some digital tools to create your own podcast:
- Vocaroo tries to make it as simple as possible for users. Their minimalist design features a button that says, “Click to Record.” If students have a piece of audio they’d prefer to upload, another smaller button says, “Or upload?”. The editing options are limited, but it serves as a simple, entry-level online recording tool. Once a recording is completed, download the recording directly to a hard drive, or Chromebook.
- TwistedWave is an online tool that offers more in terms of uploading, recording, and editing options, but it does require users to make an account if they want their files saved. Its editing options can be loads of fun for creative students, though it might be challenging. Still, its ability to import or export to multiple sources, like Google Drive, makes this a potential winner for accessibility.
- Voicethread promises to take your conversations to the next level, capturing your presence, not just your comments. Users can do more than just speak into a microphone. VoiceThread allows them to annotate directly on the screen, add videos and pictures, and share documents. This free digital platform offers a unique tool for creating more than just a podcast, but a multimedia experience.
- Spreaker provides a simple, web-based platform for students to record their own podcasts. It requires an account to get started, and its free plan offers 15-minute daily broadcasts, plus five hours of storage and basic analytics. Their editing tools provide a rich mix of options for students to get creative. The platform also supports its community of podcasters, giving students an opportunity to see how others are podcasting.
The UBC Learning Circle welcomes everyone to be part of the learning journey! An ongoing computer webinar initiative, video-podcast with downloadable audios that encourages sharing knowledge about health and well-being. The UBC Learning Circle is a partnership between the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health and the First Nations Health Authority. Their intention is to provide educational and informational opportunities of successful health practices and interventions from speakers, researchers and other experts. Register now for two wonderful upcoming sessions:
- April 7th, 2020- Taking Care of our Communities: A Wellness Series with the FNHA OCMO and Guests. The first session of the collaborative Wellness Series, which tackles topics around ensuring the wellness of ourselves, our community members, and caregivers during this time of physical and social distancing.
- April 9th, 2020- Wet’suwet’en Virtual Teach-In: Title and Rights, State Action, and Media representation of Land Defenders. Join for a virtual teach-in on the legal foundations of Wet’suwet’en Title and Rights and the treatment of the Wet’suwet’en land defenders and supporters in the media as a result of recent state actions taken against them.
In light of the current situation regarding school closures, Indigenous educators across Turtle Island have come together to provide digital learning opportunities for everyone. Think Indigenous – Online Indigenous Education K-8 is a youtube channel that offers digital Indigenous teachings as science, math and storytelling classes for students who are out of school. They just uploaded new videos, go watch! The National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education is also hosting digital learning opportunities. Join their Facebook Live on April 8th, 2020 from 2:00-3:00 pm for a panel about ‘Approaches to Maths & Sciences in Indigenous Learning’. Panelists will participate in a dynamic discussion about delivering math and science programs using Indigenous learning principles. Save the date and remember to listen, learn and share all the digital resources!
Tomorrow, April 7th is #WorldHealthDay! Remember to pause and thank healthcare workers worldwide for their tireless efforts and selfless dedication to the well-being of all people! Stay safe and make their job easier.