Podcasts

A podcast is a digital recording, commonly in the form of an audio MP3 file, but it may also include other formats, including video. The downloaded digital media files can be played on a range of devices including personal computers, laptops etc… that have a media player, such as iTunes or Windows Media Player installed. Podcasts can also be played on a wide range of portable devices, including iPods, MP3 players and an increasing number of mobile phones, and Portable Digital Assistants (PDAs).

Podcasting’s essence is about creating content for an audience that wants to listen when they want, where they want, and how they want. Several podcast RSS clients such as iPodder and, iTunes can be freely downloaded and configured to each user’s interests and needs. As with blogs, there are many searchable podcast directories available, including Podcast.net and the Educational Podcast network.

How to do it
Podcasts are created by recording an audio file and then making it available on the internet. This can be done in as simple or sophisticated a way as required, but does require basic recording equipment. There are various useful tutorials available online, such as How to Podcast. Open source audio editing and recording software, such as Audacity, is available to assist with podcast creation.

Incorporating Podcasts

• To record lectures (or preferably, parts of lectures) for those students unable to attend the lecture in person
• To record textbook content by chapter allowing students to ‘read’ or review texts while walking or travelling to class (can be significant aid for auditory learners)
• As downloadable libraries of high resolution heart and respiratory sounds for medical students
• By students as part of a multimedia project
• To provide generic feedback to students

For more examples refer to those listed by MELSIG (Media Enhanced Learning Special Interest Group).