Podcasts and Podcasting
Why podcast?
Podcasts are becoming popular to capture parts of a lecture or discussion incorporating questions and engaging prompts throughout a short 5 - 10 minute recording. Learners can then review learning material and engage in a self-test of knowledge and understanding. For reflective purposes podcasts can help learners evaluate audio aspects of performance and if also accompanied by video or visual prompts this adds value to the experience.
How to hear a podcast.
A computer with speakers and a connection to the Internet is all that's needed to download and listen to a podcast. If you want to listen to a podcast when you're out and about then a MP3 player is needed. many PDAs, mobile phones can play MP3 files however a dedicated MP3 player or IPod is ideal for this purpose.
Search the web for a podcast and then you’ll be prompted to sign up or ‘subscribe’ to receive a podcast. Once you’ve ‘subscribed’ (usually a free service) the software allows you to search for and download automatically a new ‘episode’ whenever one is produced. The free software ITunes automatically updates podcasts to an IPod once the device is connected to a computer.
What does a podcast feel like?
Creating a podcast can be a straight forward procedure. First,it's a good idea to listen to podcasts to get an idea for content, style and delivery. Listen to these podcast samples on the BBC website before you start creating your own.
Alternatively Listen to language podcasts or visit www.podcast.net for news and travel podcasts.
Every object tells a podcast
Learners in art and creative classes can enjoy artists describing artworks across the world.
Search the Raw Canvas Artlookers Podcasts to find out how sheep, monster- burgers and flying jellyfish inspired young parents from Hackney Young Families Support Service.
Now you're ready to create your own.
How can I use podcasts for teaching and learning?
Audacity is free sound software, ideal to create sound files on a computer as well as helping to edit those recorded out and about using MP3 recorders.
Enhanced podcasts
An enhanced podcast is one that includes photos and video. ITunes software is ideal to view the images and hear the sounds at the same time. However a Powerpoint presentation can include sound, images and video for a similar effect.
How to make an enhanced podcast
In Practice
At Wolverhampton University enhanced podcasts are used to engage students 'beyond the lecture' and to encourage them to review their learning during the week.
The podcasts, based on the week's class contents, are 10 - 15 minutes in length and incorporate a quiz at the beginning and at the end with engaging prompts throughout to encourage the students to pause and think.
Video or still images are included so the students can view visual prompts in ITunes while listening to the tutor's commentary.
Quicklinks
Technical Tips
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Synchronisation
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Internet Connection
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Bluetooth
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Keyboards
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Projection
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PDAs
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Smartphones
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Digital audio players
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Software
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Podcasts
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Create a Podcast
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Cameras and Images
Other sections
In Practice
Examples and ideas showing practical ways to use the different devices in the classroom and out and about
Choose the Right Device
What to look for when buying the devices, reviews and suggestions
FAQs for Organisations
Issues and questions that organisations experience
Making it Accessible
Ways to use the technology accessibly
The Future
The changing world of handheld devices
Glossary
An a-z glossary of mobile technology terms