Podcasting
What is a podcast?
According to Wikipedia, “a podcast is a digital media file, or a series of such files, that is distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds, for playback on portable media players and personal computers.”
Podcasts typically include audio and may also include images/graphics and even video. The term “podcast” implies a series of broadcasts to which users can “subscribe” and which are automatically downloaded through a feed technology, such as RSS.
What can you do with a podcast?
For educational purposes, a podcast could take many forms, including:
- Mini-lectures on difficult concepts
- Explanations of complex assignments
- Course audio files, e.g. heart sounds, language lessons, music
- Glossaries with sound and images
- Graphics with voice-over explanations
- Audio or video case studies including interviews with experts or characters
- Multimedia presentations created by students
What are the pro's of using a podcast?
- Time-shifting: you can listen/view the material when you want, instead of at a particular time when it might be aired.
- Students can re-visit past lectures as a study aid or listen to classes, or parts or classes, they missed
- Access to course materials is more flexible - reduced dependence on locations such as a lab or library - students can revisit these lectures, or use the study aids while at the gym, or
- Relatively easy to use, and effective, for multiple recording purposes (interviews, field notes, etc.)
- Greater student interest and engagement.
- Greater support for individual learning needs.
What are the con's of using a podcast?
- Issues around where it will be stored, access, and copyright.
- A decent connection is needed to download the files in a timely manner.
- Primarily audio files, so limited usefulness for those with hearing impairments.
- Not designed for two-way communication.
- Quality can very greatly since anyone can make and publish a podcast.
Join the "Nano Project" pilot
ATS and the EdTech Center will offer training, support and the loan of equipment (known as "the nano project") to faculty interested in piloting the use of podcasting to their students. For more information on the nano project http://itunes.neu.edu/nano.html. If you are interested in participating in this pilot, contact Terry Beadle as or Seth Merriam at .
