Thing 18: Quite Exciting, This Computer Magic

I'll save the retread discussion of how difficult it is to find quality information on my particular subject area (the intersection of statistics, assessment, & policy). I'll not go into detail about how I went through the iTunes Store, the Educational Podcast Network, & Learn out Loud only to find, well not much of specific interest (a lot of great stuff, just none of it in my field). In some sense that is to be expected. Statistics and Assessment is a visual medium. Talking about poisson distributions and Rasch scaling just isn't all that really compelling in pure audio. I did find the "Edge on Tests" podcasts that focus on test prep. I previewed one. Not much interest to me, but I would recommend it for any student preparing for the SAT or ACT.

Rather than cursing the darkness, let me step outside of a narrow focus and simply focus on some podcasts I do love. First is the Fordham Foundation's Flypaper Podcast, an interesting and irreverent podcast on national Educational policy. Another great one is the Philosophy Bites podcast. Hosted by British philosopher Nigel Warburton this podcast features short (15 minute) discussions with contemporary philosophers on issues ranging from free will, morality, infinity, nature v. nurture, ethics, consciousness and everything in between. Literate without being overwhelming, an excellent introduction to the layman just dipping toes into the broader world of philosophy. I have often thought the PB Podcast would be an excellent tool in AP classes when trying to stimulate discussion on difficult issues. Finally, for those without a statistical background but interest in learning more the University of California at Berkeley offers a series of podcast lectures teaching introductory issues in statistics. You can find it here.