Podcasting
What is podcasting?
A podcast is a series of digital multimedia files that can be subscribed to using an application (such as iTunes) and/or can be transferred to a mobile device (such as an iPod). The concept of creating and distributing digital multimedia files is not new, but technological refinements have improved the process and made it easy to use.
Why use podcasting?
- Podcasts enable flexible study. Students can download and listen to podcasts at any time on their computers, iPods or mobile phones.
- Podcasts promote revision. Because stduents can download podcasts, they can listen and re-listen whenever, where ever and at whatever pace they need.
- Podcasts are familiar and easy to use. Many students are familiar and comfortable with downloading and listening to podcasts.
- Podcasts promote continuous learning. Podcasts work on the basis of subscription, so new files download automatically to a program connected to the internet (i.e. no searching for information every week).
- Podcasts are free, and convenient. Applications that play them are free for students to download and File formats are cross-platform and can play in most media players (such as iTunes, MS Media Player etc.).
How to use podcasting?
Lucy Taylor is running a podcasting trial in the Faculty of Economics and Business in 2007-2008 to glean the impact of the short podcasts can impact staff and students and their learning and teaching. Some of the ways podcasting has been used so far:
- Keep the face-to-face time 'sacred' by podcasting administrative content, frequently asked questions, an introduction to the next readings
- Add value to your students' learning experience by confirming the main points they should take from the lecture/seminar
- Add value to your students' learning experience by adding tips on writing for your class, studying in another language, preparing for an exam/assessment
Make an appointment to discuss options that might suit your unit of study's needs.
Results on the trial so far:
- Clark S, Sutton-Brady C, Scott K and Taylor L 2007 'Short podcasts: The impact on learning and teaching'
- Clark S, Westcott M and Taylor L 2007 'Using short podcasts to reinforce lectures'
Guides
- Podcasting trial - introduction (38Kb)
- 2007 Podcasting Trial Research Findings (74Kb)
- How to create a podcast (164Kb)
- Podcasting and Blackboard (260Kb)