Free Podcasts to Support Parents in Distance Learning

Steve Barkley and Nickel City Sound & Media produce free educational podcasts to support parents in distance learning

In response to COVID-19 related school closures across our nation and the world, we recently partnered with master education consultant and author Steve Barkley to produce free podcasts to support educators, parents, and students across Western New York — and around the globe. 

Parents who are facing the challenge of supporting their children’s learning from home can listen to Barkley’s new podcast series entitled Parent Well-Being and Student Learning During School Closures. Episodes, which are 10-15 minutes in length, include topics about at-home time management, schoolwork vs. learning tasks, and tapping learners’ passions and interests. 

Barkley said, “I sensed that too many parents felt they had to step in and be a teacher. This is different from homeschooling. Schools and teachers are providing tasks and content. I wanted to encourage parents to consider how they support learning. Also this is a great opportunity for students to practice and develop ‘life skills.’ Parents can guide these opportunities.”

Barkley, who is based in Basil, Switzerland, records his podcasts remotely with Nickel City’s founder and chief engineer, Joseph Jacobs who coordinates the recording, production, publishing, and distribution of Barkley’s original podcasts and blogs, Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud, which are also free for educators across the world.  

Jacobs said, “It’s both a privilege and honor to have worked with Steve Barkley on his podcast for educators over the past few years. It’s even more exciting to help Steve bring his years of wisdom in education to parents, who are for the first time helping their children learn at home. I’m thrilled that we have the capability and technology to record a high quality podcast remotely. I think Steve’s ideas are going to help a lot of families.”

The Parent Well-Being and Student Learning During School Closures podcasts are available now for streaming and download on BarkleyPD.com and through Apple podcasts in iTunes. 

Joseph Jacobs and Steve Barkley recording session at Nickel City Sound & Media

About Steve Barkley:

For the past 35 years, Steve has served as an educational consultant to school districts, teacher organizations, state departments of education, and colleges and universities nationally and internationally, facilitating the changes necessary for them to reach students and successfully prepare them for the 21st century. A prolific published author, his weekly blog, Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud, has evolved into a go-to resource for teachers and administrators all over the world.