Podcasting

Podcasting is a new form of technology available to all of us now.  You can subscribe/download just about anything imagineable  and use it on almost any device.  Classes can now create their own podcasts by creating their own broadcasts in which students can interview others and create their own questions for the interview and techniques that they want to use. They can also access other podcasts internationally and podcasts created just for kids.
Podcasting allows us to download and access topics that are of interest to us.  It is different from blogging in that it allows us to record/videotape interviews and other information instead of just letting us write down our opinions on different topics.
I do not own an iPod or MP3 player, but I frequently use my child's. I like the fact that I can monitor what he watches and listens to and that I can download movies and songs that are appropriate for him to listen to.  I would use them in my class to allow students to listed to text. This would definitely be an advantage for students who have reading problems or who have problems staying focused.
Advantages of using these applications are that you are allowed to think about your responses  before responding immediately  and people from different areas can colloborate on their responses.  Computer conferencing promotes learning amongst peers.

Wikis and Blogs

Wikis and blogs will be a daily project for students in my classroom.  The opportunities to use these innovations will be presented and students will be able to express their own opinions of our subject matter when creating their own blogs.  Wikis will be used weekly so that students can download pictures from fieldtrips and activities, information that they want to share, and areas in which they want to collaborate on with their peers.
Socialbookmarking is a great way to get others interested in different topics that they may not otherwise knew existed.  I believe it would be a valuable tool to me and my students and will add a different twist to research.  Voice Threads can also provide technological new aapproaches to lectures that will be more interesting to students.  I would have to practice a lot before feeling comfortable in doing Voice Threads.
I have not had any experience with Tapped In.  I have not even explored it.  I feel that once I have had the opportunity to expose myself to this resource, I will be able to incorporate it in my classroom.